Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 31

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 31

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COGDAL, Thomas Jefferson, a mason contractor and builder, is a pioneer of Cantrall, Ill., where he is a prominent citizen. His hirth occurred on Rock Creek, Menard County, near the San- gamon County line, July 12, 1849, and he Is a son of Isaac and Sarah (Whitiow) Cogdai, the father a native of Kentucky and the mother of North Carolina. Sarah Whitlow was born in 1824 and accompanied her parents to Illinois in 1846. The family located near Richiand, Sangamon County, and in 1848 she was married to Mr. Cogdai. The young couple settled on a farm on Rock Creek and Mr. Cogdai did some farming, but erected a lime kiln, prepared iime and shipped it to many parts of Illinois. This was the first kiln erected in that part of the State and furnished materiai to be used in the old State House, which is now used as the Court House. Mr. Cogdal also worked on this build-

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

ing as a mason. He was a member of one of · Kentucky's best families, had a good education and had been admitted to practice at the Bar. His son well remembers when Isaac Cogdal came bome with his sheep-skin certificate en- titling him to practice before the Supreme Court of the United States, being thus an associate of John M. Palmer, Abraham Lincoln and others. He was associated with the latter at old Salem. Mr. Cogdal's birth occurred in 1811 and in boyhood he was brought by his father, John Cogdal, to Illinois. John Cogdal located in the southern part of Menard County in 1821 and became one of the prominent men of cen- tral Illinois in early days, being a Baptist min- ister. He organized the Baptist Church at Cherry Grove, now known as Tallula Church. He had five sons and one daughter, all of whom are now deceased. Rev. John Cogdal was a native of Ireland and left his native land in order to be allowed peaceably to worship ac- cording to the dictates of his own conscience.

The career of Isaac Cogdal was one of marked ability as a lawyer. and as a contractor he was instrumental in erecting some of the notable buildings of his part of Illinois. In politics he was a strong Republican, but upon the can- didacy of Horace Greeley for President, stumped the State in his behalf. Being a fluent and con- vincing speaker, he brought many to his way of thinking. He was often solicited to accept public office and honor but refused to do so. He held to the principles of Democracy the lat- ter part of his life. He died July 29, 1887. and his widow survived him many years, passing away March 22, 1905. They were associated with every movement for the uplift and bet- terment of their community and all who knew them appreciated their sincerity and worth. Mrs. Cogdal was one of Nature's noblewomen, well known for her charitable disposition and warm heart, ready to visit the sick and afflicted and offer what comfort and aid lay within her power. Mr. Cogdal was notable as a man of broad views. liberality and charity. He was a careful student of the Bible and in religious views was a strong Universalist, being always ready to discuss the subject of religious beliefs and to set forth his reasons for espousing that faith. He was known throughout the State for his integrity and uprightness.

Thomas J. Cogdal received his early education in the district schools and later attended col- lege at Whitehall, Greene County, after which he learned the trade of mason. He remained with his parents until July 3, 1873, wlien he was united in marriage with Linna Penny, who was born in Menard County, September 6, 1856, daughter of William and Polly Ann (Yoakum) Penny, pioneers of that county. The Penny family removed to Texas about 1860, re- mained there eight years and then came to Booneville, Mo., where the father died. The mother located near Salisbury, Sangamon County, where she passed away. They had four daughters and two sons: Frank and Seth H.

Penny are deceased; Ellen, widow of James Loyal, lives at Pleasant Plains; Linna is Mrs. Cogdal; Louisa is the wife of Elmer Douglas, of Chatham; Maggie, wife of Victor Black, of Joplin, Mo.

After his marriage Thomas J. Cogdal took charge of the home farm and also worked at his trade, being successful in both lines of work. He remained on the farm until 1892, and there all his children were born, naniely : Palmer E., born October 10, 1874, a contractor and builder, married Mary Luck, of Tallula, Ill., where they reside; Harry Loten, born September 6, 1876, married Nellie Hensley, who was reared by John Hensley, and they have one child, Blanche ; their child Ida May died in infancy; Chester Edward, born September 1, 1880, married Nora Luby, is an electrician and lives at Pleasant Plains ; Alonzo Freeman. born November 15, 1885, died in infancy; LeRoy, born October 11, 1887. a farmer; Paul Cornelius, born November 3, 1891. Harry L. Cogdal is a professional ein- balmer and resides at Pleasant Plains, Ill.

In 1892 Mr. Cogdal left the farm and became one of the prominent citizens of Pleasant Plains, purchasing a pleasant home on West Church Street, where he has since resided. He is as skillful in his work at masonary as in his younger days, and the demand for his services is so great he has not felt as if he could re- tire. He has worked on some of the finest buildings in central Illinois and has also helped in the coustruction of culverts and bridge work. He has always been identified with the growth and development of the region where liis entire life has been spent and many buildings and other work will long stand as a monument to his skill. Fraternally he is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, Pleasant Plains Camp No. 139, also of Welcome Lodge No. 770, Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He and his wife are active members of the Methodist Church at Pleasant Plains. He has been very successful in his work and is surrounded by every comfort and by the warm regard of a wide circle of friends. He is a Republican in politics and was for many years Postmaster at Loyd, Menard County, and also served under Sheriff Brainard as Deputy Sheriff in Sanga- mon County.

COHEN, Samuel N. (deceased), for several years a successful grocer and business man of Springfield, Ill., was a native of Russia, born March 28, 1856, a son of Lewis W. and Annie Cohen, both natives of Russia, where they lived on a farm. The boyhood of Samuel N. Cohen was spent on his father's farm and after leav- ing school he was employed as a book-keeper. He finally emigrated to the United States- and about 1885 located in Springfield, where he engaged in business as a wholesale grocer. He was enterprising and industrious and was successful in his line of business. He made many friends in Springfield and at his death left considerable property.

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

Mr. Cohen was married, In Austria, August 10, 1879, to Miss Sarah G. Bischpefer, who was born in Austria, April 10, 1858, a daughter of Charles and Bessie Bischpefer, both also na- tives of Austria. One son and one daughter have been born of the union of Mr. Cohen and wife; Dora, who married Michael Yaffe, of St. Louis, where they reside, and Willlam, boru September 10, 1884, and is a book-keeper re- siding in Springfield. Mr. Yaffe and wife have three children, namely: Samuel N., born August 28, 1901; Haroid M., March 20, 1904, aud Bessie, March 5, 1907, all in St. Louis.

Mr. Cohen's death occurred February 20, 1898, and his remains were buried In Oak Ridge Cemetery. He was sincerely mourned by hls family and many friends. He was a mem- ber of the Jewish Church, at Seventh and Mason Streets, Springfield, and fraternally a member of the Royal Arcanum of Springfield, being affiliated with Council No. 1105. He was a Democrat in political views but never took an active part in public affairs. Mrs. Cohen resldes at 505 North Fifteenth Street, Spring- field.

COHN, Mrs. Annie .- Some of the largest prop- erty holders In Springfield are women of ability having been left well-to-do by fathers or husbands. Among those whose material wel- fare was thus provided for is Mrs. Annie Cohn. one of the highly esteemed ladies of the city. She is the widow of the late Max Cohn, who for many years was closely associated with the busi- ness life of the city as a merchant. Mr. Cohn was a native of Germany, who after receiving a good education in the high schools of Germany, came to this country, and for some time traveled for several dry goods firms, in this way becom- ing thoroughly acquainted with the needs of the public. Eventualiy, his travels brought him to Springfield, and he recognized the importance of this city as a distributing point for a large retail trade. He cstablished himself here in business, and built up a large mercantile busi- ness. He had served in the army in Prussia before coming to America, and was a man who always tried to do his full duty as he saw It.

Mrs. Cohn is a most estimable lady. She and Mr. Cohn were united in marriage in Springfield. Three children were born to them: Dave, aged twenty-three years; Fannie, aged twenty years, and Sarah, aged eighteen years, all bright young people. The famlly belong to the Jewish church, in which they take an active part.

The death of Mr. Cohn occurred May 28, 1898, and in him the city lost one of its Ilve, pro- gressive business men, and his family a kind and loving husband and father. Mrs. Cohn has brought up her children in a way that Is a credit to her and her husband, and is to be honored for her efforts along this line.

COLBURN, George Paul .- A number of the progressive farmers of Sangamon County are dividing thelr attention between farming and

stock raising, realiziug the immense profits to be obtained through the latter line of business, and recognizing the fact that the land there is specially adapted to feeding purposes. One of the men who has made a success of this, as weil as kindred lines, is George Paul Colburn, gen- eral farmer and stock raiser, of Sections 23 and 24, New Berlin Township, who was born in Loami, Ill., Jauuary 2, 1874, being a sou of Levi Otls Colburn, a complete history of whom is given elsewhere in this work.

The boyhood days of George Paul Colburn were spent In Loami, where he had the ad- vantage of atteuding the excellent school of that place, but at the same time he was taught to make himseif useful at home. When fifteen years old he began working ou a farm by the mouth. Later he was a barber In Loami, finally operatiug his own shop for two years. However, he realized that his incliuations were towards farming, so selling his business, he commenced working at farming. The year fol- lowing he returned to Loami to engage as clerk in a general merchandise establishment. In 1896 the call of the soil again proved too strong and once more he returned to the farm, remain- ing there untii 1905. During ail this time Mr. Coiburn had saved hls money, investing it wisely, so that he had accumulated a sufficient amount to rent 140 acres and start farming on his own account. Under his able management the land yielded a fine crop for the two years he rented. In 1907, Mr. Colburn rented 400 acres owned by L. H. Coleman on Sections 23 and 24, in New Berliu Township.

Ou April 28, 1910, occurred the marriage of Mr. Colburu and Miss Anna M. Kerr. of Loami. In politics Mr. Colburn is a stauch Republican, while fraternaily he is an Odd Fellow, belong- ing to Lodge No. 901 of Loami, and aiso to the Maccabees of the same place. He belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church, while his wife is a Presbyterian.

COLBURN, Henry William .- The rural delivery inail carriers are held in the highest esteem by those whom they connect with the centers of industry. They bring to the farmer the news of national happenings and put him in touch with the largest commercial houses in the world. These carriers have to be men of responsibility, whose probity and reliability have been thor- oughly tested, and one who is an excellent rep- resentative of his class, Is Henry William Coi- burn, of Loami. He was born December 20, 1863, a son of Ebenezer and Ellzabeth (Davis) Coiburn, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this work.

Mr. Colburu attended school in his native town of Loami, and his first work was in the' large flouring mill owned by his father, which was the first of its kind in this part of the county, drawing trade for a radius of forty miles. After ten years of this employment he began handling carriages, wagons and farm implements, thus continuing until his appoint-

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ment as carrier in March, 1903, since which time he has faithfully attended to his duties, and gained the confidence of those on his route. His standing was 97 per cent. in the civil service examinatiou. He is also a Violinist of con- siderable ability having had several years ex- perience as teacher of that instrument.

On September 13, 1888, Mr. Colburn was married to Anna E. Hilgenberg, also born in Loami, in August, 1868, daughter of William Hilgenberg, a native of Germany. Mrs. Col- burn died in 1896, having borue her husband two daughters: Bernice M., born October 6, 1889, and Ruth M., born October 8, 1894. Miss Bernice is a graduate of the high school, and is a musical genius, having for a year been a teacher of instrumental music, and making a specialty of the piano. The other daughter, after graduating from high school, and after ten years' work and being Valedictorian, standing highest iu the county, is now teach- ing at seventeen years of age. She fitted her- self for teaching, standing highest among the ten taking the county examination, when only fifteen. During all the grades she had stood at the head of her class, winning a silver medal when only eleven years old. On October 29, 1899, Mr. Colburn married Mrs. Emma (David- so11) Henry, born near Palmyra, Ill., August 27, 1872, widow of Edward R. Henry. The death of Mr. Henry occurred August 4, 1893. Site is a daughter of Winchester and Mary (Bates) Davidson, and was brought by her parents from Ohio, where her birth occurred, to Illinois. Mrs. Davidson died when Mrs. Colburn was only nine years of age, and the latter was reared in the home of Charles M. Poley, of Auburn. Mr. Davidson survives, making his home with Mrs. Colburn. There were three children in his family: Mrs. Col- burn, Cora M. and Joseph W. Mr. and Mrs. Colburn have three children: Marjorle A., born February 18, 1901; Beulah F., born July 3, 1903, and Howard Wayne, born March 18, 1909. For seven years Mrs. Colburn was a teacher in Portland, Ore., and held a state certificate In that State. She comes of a talented family and owns some much-prized and valuable palnt- ings executed by her grandmother. These bear verses composed by this venerated lady. Mrs. Colburn herself is an artist of ability and her productions adorn the walls of the com- fortable home, owned and improved by Mr. Colburn. In addition Mrs. Colburn is the author of many charming poems, and enjoys training her children to make the most of their attainments. The atmosphere of this home is charming, and no one comes within it without being made the better for it. A faithful Dunkard. Mrs. Colburn lives up to the teachings of her church and teaches her children to live upright. Christian lives.

Mr. Colburn is a Republican and his party has shown its appreciation of his services by electing him to the office of Tax Collector and Township Clerk by a large majority. Frater-

nally he Is a Mason, Odd Fellow, Modern Wood- man of America, and he and his wife belong to the Eastern Star and Royal Neighbors. He has been a representative to the Grand Lodges of Masons and Odd Fellows and filled all the chairs in the Knights of Pythias, holding the office of Secretary for fifteen years, and has been a representative to the Grand Lodge. He took the Grand Lodge Degree of the Odd Fel- lows and is very prominent in ali of these fra- ternal organizations. Mrs. Colburn has beeu Recorder in the Royal Neighbors for five years, her abilities being recognized in it as well as In the Eastern Star Order. It would be difficult to find any family In Sangamon County more truly representative of its best interests than this one, and which exerts a better influence in social and literary circles.

COLBURN, Levi Otis, who for seventy-five years has been identified with Sangamon County, has characterized his long life in this section by usefulness and good citizenship, and his many sterling qualities have endeared him to his fellow townspeople and acquired for him the affectionate title of "Uncle Ote." Born November 13, 1835, in Loami Township, San- gamon County, he is a son of William Colburn and a grandson of Paul and Mehitable (Ball) Colburn, natives of Hollls, Hillsboro County, N. H., where the former was born in 1761 and the latter in 1757. They were married in Massachusetts and there eleven children were born to them, but in 1809 the family removed to New Hampshire.

William Colburn was born June 3, 1793, in Sterling, Mass., and was married to Achea Phelps, who was born July 9, 1796, at He- bron, N. H., and after their marriage they went to Ohio, which was at that time consid- ered the Far West, although they did not reach that State until after many hardships had been encountered and conquered. To them there were born the following children: Clarissa, born October 27, 1816, in Pittsburg, Pa., married William S. Walker; Abigail, born April 29, 1818, at Marietta, Ohio. married Lawrence Underwood; Fanny, born January 4, 1820, at Marietta, Ohio, married David Phelps (his second marriage) ; Mehitable, born December 5, 1821, in Illinois, married Davld Phelps; Samuel Paul, born in Sangamon County, Ill., September 15, 1823, married Me- linda Colburn, a cousin; Margaret P., born April 7. 1825, married Lewis Cotterman; Isaac, born February 22, 1827, married Julia Ensley ; Daniel W., born July 2, 1829, married Lucinda Huffmaster ; William S., born February 20, 1831, In Sangamon County, Ill., was a member of the Twenty-eighth Illinols Volunteers, mar- ried Mary Ensley ; Ebenezer, born April 9, 1833. married Nancy Huffmaster ; Levi Otis; David P., married Turza Mengel; and John T., born November 23, 1840, married Martha Back, residing in Loami, Ill. William Colburn and his wife were honorable. God-fearing peo-

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

ple, useful pioneers of Sangamon County, and people whose memory is held green in the hearts of many of Sangamon's leading families. He died June 10, 1869, his widow surviving him untll 1878. In the early days, Mr. Col- burn had been a Whig, and on the organization of the Republican party he joined the new

party. He was never an office seeker, but his strict integrity and reliability were known by his fellow townsmen and on one occasion he was elected to the office of Constable. On be- ing given his first papers to serve, he found the party in such poor circumstances that he refused to make the eviction, paid the bill out of his own pocket and resigned his position, deciding that his was too tender a heart to conscientiously fill the duties of his office.

Until he was eighteen years of age Levi O. Colburn attended the subscription and district schools of his locality, and at that time he went to work at the carpenter's trade with his brother-iu-law, Lewis Cotterman, receiving $8.00 per month, his board and washing. Later he secured a position at the same business which paid him $1.50 per day, with William Hammond, for one season, but subsequently became clerk in a store and continued thus for about eighteen months. Next he purchased a set of tools and did Journeyman's work and contracting from 1858 till about 1875. Then he worked for his brother Ebenezer, who owned a saw and grist mill which was one of the best in this part of Sangamon County. On July 13, 1862, fired with patriotism, Mr. Colburn enlisted in Company F, Fifty-first Regiment, Illinois Volunteer Infantry, the regiment being formed at Chicago, Ill., and soon in the thick- est of the fight, participating in some of the bloodiest and hardest-fought battles of the war, which included Stone River, Chicka- mauga, Resaca and others. In the battle of Chickamauga Mr. Colburn was shot through the left shoulder and was sent to the hospital, where he was offered a furlough, but this he refused. He left the hospital in Nashville, Tenn., December 15, 1863, and rejoined his regi- ment January 14, 1864, at Blain's Crossroads, after a trip of twenty-five days, and was with his comrades at Adairsville, Ga. The Fifty- first was one of the regiments which were always ready and eager for action, and it con- ducted itself with honor In such struggles as Peach Tree Creek, Spring Hill, Franklin and Nashville, Tenn., and took care of Hood while Sherman marched to the sea. Mr. Colburn, with the exception of the time he spent in the hospital recovering from his wound, was with his regiment in every march, skirmish and battle, and had a war record of which any man might be proud, when he was discharged at Nashville, June 16, 1865, and mustered out in Chicago, June 24th following. After serving his country with bravery and honor, Mr. Col- burn returned to his home and worked at his trade.

On July 7, 1867, Mr. Colburn was married to

Christine Kinney, who was born in Madison County, N. Y., March 17, 1844, daughter of William Kinney, who came to Sangamon County in 1856. Mrs. Colburn has one brother and three sisters liviug : George W. Kinney, of Loami; Margaret A., widow of Marcus Lind- sey, residing 'on a farm in Loami Township; and Martha J., wife of Cyrus B. Sweet, a farmer of Loami. After his marriage Mr. Col- burn located in his home in Loami and en- gaged in working at his chosen trade, becoming successful in his undertakings and assisting in the growth and development of his community. He has seen many changes in this part of the county during his long life here, and although he has been retired from active pursuits for the past few years, he is still to be found in the front rank of all movements that promise to be of benefit to the citizens of his section. Mrs. Colburn has always been active in church and charitable work and is affiliated with the Methodist Episcopal denomination.

To Mr. and Mrs. Colburn have been born these children : Bertha O., born April 15, 1868, living at home; William Ernest, born August 28, 1869, connected with the commission firm of Coe and Company, Springfield, and a prominent member of and earnest worker in the Young Men's Christian Association, married May 1, 18SS, Mary L. Lowery ; and George P., born January 2, 1874, a farmer in New Berlin Town- ship, Sangamon County, married April 28, 1910, Annie Kerr.

COLEMAN, James W. The Coleman family was among the earliest to settle lu Sangamon County, and its representatives bore their full share in the early development of the region. James W. Coleman was born near the first log cabin erected in Ball Township, November 23, 1838, and is a son of Jonathan B. and Mary (Dodds) Coleman. Jonathan B. Coleman was a native of Nashville, Tenn., born November 16, 1811. The . Dodds family was of Irish origin, and Mary, daughter of Joseph Dodds, was born in Ken- tucky, and they later moved to Nashville. In 1818 Joseph Dodds came to what is now Ball Township and became one of the most exten- sive land-owners in the county. His death oc- curred in 1868. Hls brother, Thomas Dodds, served with distinction in the Revolutionary War. The family reached Illinois Territory in March and in November of the same year Illi- nois was admitted as a State, so they are plan- nlng to celebrate the one hundredth anniversary of their settlement in Ball Township, in 1918.

When he was a boy of seventeen years, Jona- than B. Coleman came to Sangamon County with his aunt, Frankie Hutton, and soon after began splitting rails, which occupation he followed a short time, then learned the trade of millwright. He worked at his trade until March, 1835, the date of his marriage to Mary Dodds, soon after which he purchased a piece of land and erected a frame building, the first of its kind in the vicinity. This house had walls of siding split

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

from walnut trees, aud the sills, joists and rafters were all made by Mr. Coleman, the huilding consisting of one room and In size be- iug 24 by 28 feet. The first Cumberland Pres- hyterlan Church erected in the county was built on land donated by Jonathan B. Coleman, in 1827, and this is yet in the possession of the organization. He and his wife lived on the farm he had purchased until late in life, then removed to the city of Springfield. They were parents of ten children, five of whom died in iufancy, the others being: James W., the old- est; Joseph E., of Los Angeles, Calif. ; William Harvey, died iu Denver, Col., ahout 1894; Eliza- beth A., widow of Lemuel Dyson, resides in Divernon Township; Mary Eveline, wife of A. Stark, of Bellevue, Idaho. The parents moved to Springfield in 1864, Ilved there two years, then purchased a farm in Ball Township, where they spent the remainder of their lives. He died in 1895, at the age of eighty-four years, and his widow survived hiu two years, passing away in 1897, at the age of eighty-two. In politics he was first a Whig, but upon the organization of the Republican party espoused Its principles. He helieved it the duty of every good citizen to cast his vote at every election, and lived up to this view. He never sought public office for him- self, although he was active In the councils of his party. He was one of the most respected and honored men of his community, public- spirited and enterprising, and was always ready to do his share to promote the moral and ma- terial progress of his fellow-citizens. He and his wife were devout members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 31

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