Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 34

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 34

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).

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

farm near New Berlin, where his death occurred. There were seven children in his family, and of them two now survive: George E. Coons, now of New Berlin, who is ninety-four years of age, and Benjamin, of Kansas, eighty-four years old.

James Coons was educated in the little log school north of Jacksonville, Morgan County, where he sat on slab henches and did without any of the inodern appliances of a schoolroom. At the same time, he was brought up to hard work by his father. who taught him to be an efficient farmer. When the family moved to Sangamon County, James came with them, and after the father's death, with two of his hroth- ers worked on the homestead for a time, then bought a farm iu Clear Lake Township, which continued to be his home until his death, which occurred in 1888.

Mr. Coons was married March 3, 1850, in Morgan County. to Sarah E. Sturgis, horn seven miies north of Jacksonville, Morgan County, No- vember 2, 1832. Her father was born in North Carolina, on Christmas Day, in 1798, while her mother was born in Zanesvilie, Ohio. February 8, 1799. Mr. Sturgis came from North Caro- lina to Morgan County, Ill., in 1823, locating on a farm, which continued to he his home for two years. He then entered government land to the amount of 163 acres seven mlies north of Jack- sonville, but in 1856 sold this and bought an- other farm, dying there in May, 1874. His widow came to Sangamon County, locating near New Berlin, where she died in 1881. The grand- father of Mrs. Coons. Josepli Vance, was a sol- dled in the Revolutionary War. Mr. and Mrs. Sturgis had seven children, 'two of whom sur- vive: James Sturgis and Mrs. Coons. This brother lives with Mrs. Coons and her sons. on a forty-acre tract in Clear Lake Township, which she owns. She and her hushand had five sons and five daughters, slx of whom are now living : John E., a farmer and carpenter, who lives with his mother; George B .. also iives at home; Mar- garet, wife of Andrew Reynolds, of Benton, Mo .; Luna R., and Charles D., farmers of Rochester Township; Elizabeth, wife of Richard Smith, of Springfield. There are twenty-one Ilving grandchildren In the family.

Mr. Coons was a consistent member of tlie Baptist Church and died firm in its faith. He had been a liheral contributor and was missed from Its congregation. The Republican can- didates received his vote and he earnestly sup- ported the principles of his party. He was quiet and unostentatious and was devoted to his fam- ily. He worked hard all his life and was well satisfied with his surroundings. His memory is kept green in the hearts of liis widow and chil- dren, who knew and appreciated his many virtues.

COOPER, David D. (deceased) .- What the earlier farmers of Sangamon County accom- plished during the years they struggled with the many disadvantages always present in an

undeveloped country, no mere words will de- scrihe. That they succeeded, probably far be- yond thelr wildest hopes, existing conditions prove, but not enough gratitude is shown for their work, thelr privations and their plans, iald with such care that those who have suc- ceeded them, are abie to carry them out with- out trouble. One of these men, whose names are remembered with respect and veneration, is the late David D. Cooper, formerly a farmer of Section 29, Wllllams Township. He was horn near Sherman, Sangamon County, August 10, 1829, being a son of Meredith Cooper, of Tennessee, where he married.

The parents came from Tennessee to Iilinois, making the trip on horse back. They carried a feather bed, and slept on it in the open air. Reaching Sangamon County, they located on iand near Sherman, and there they developed a farm, brought up their nine children, and lived out their useful lives. During the Black Hawk War. the father defended his brood and com- munity by eniisting, and was one of the honest, sturdy old pioneers of this county.

Growing up amid strictly pioneer conditions, struggiing for cvery advantage, David D. Cooper developed a fine character. Whlle attending the primitive schools of his day he did a man's work on the homestead, rendering his father ioyal and efficient service. Over fifty years ago he bought thirty acres of land in Section 29, Williams Township, where his demise took place March 8. 1900. Hls widow stlil resides on the farm his ioving care provided for her, surrounded hy the comforts of life.

On May 17, 1855, Mr. Coop r was married in Williams Township. to Juliette Withrow, born in Macoupln County, March 22, 1840. Her fa- ther was born in Kentucky, where he married, and with his wife came to Iilinois at an early day, settling five miles south of Springfield, and later moved to Williams Township where they died. There were three sons and three daughters in the family, Mrs. Cooper being the only survi- vor. Five sons and three daughters were horn to Mr. and Mrs. Cooper, six of whom survive : Mrs. Susie C. Wright, widow of Walter Wright, resides in Riverton ; James A. resides in Rood- house, Ill .; Mary D., wife of N. Huffman, re- sides near Dawson; Eugene resides near Sher- inan; Augustus resides at home with his mother ; Myrtle E., wife of William Giadden, resides in Hayworth, Ill.

Mr. Cooper belonged to the Methodist Church, and took much comfort in his religious associa- tions. His life was ordered according to the creed of his church and he lived and died a true Christian. His widow beiongs to the same rellgious denomination. In politics he was a Democrat and faithfully supported the can- didates of his party. Steadfast of purpose, earn- est in his work, Mr. Cooper rounded out a use- ful life and left hehind him the memory of many kindly deeds, numerous acts of charity and a general uprightness of living that had

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

its influence not only upon his immediate fam- ily, but upon all with whom he came in con- tact.

COOPER, Robert V. (deceased) .- The Cooper family is one which bore a prominent part in the settlement and development of Sangamon County, its representatives having come here when this part of the State could not boast of its present value; when a wilderness prevailed, occupied principaily by roving Indians and wild animals. Here they entered iand and laid the foundations of a home. The mighty forests were felled, the prairies planted, roads de- veloped from Indian traiis, and eventually San- gamon County was made over into one of the most progressive portions of the mighty Com- monwealth we are ali proud to own as our State. The late Robert V. Cooper, although not himself a pioneer, for he was born in the county, July 10, 1834, participated in much of the early settlement work, and suffered with the others all the privations and dangers of those days. He made his home on Section 32, Williams Township for many years prior to his death, and was one of the best known men of the county. Mr. Cooper was a son of Meredith and Polly (Witcher) Cooper, both of Tennes- see.

The parents came to Illinois at a very early day, at a time when land could be obtained for $1.25 per acre, settling on a farm which lay along the Sangamon River. Several years later tiley came to the farm near the one now owned by the widow of Robert V. Cooper, and both died there. They were parents of twelve children, but only one, Ambrose Cooper, of Mis- souri, survives. During the Black Hawk War Meredith Cooper served as a soldier, for In- dian atrocities were very real in those days and the men of Sangamon, although not in a direct line of most of the trouble, felt very uneasy for the safety of their families.

Robert V. Cooper was educated in Williams Township and worked on the farm for his fa- ther, spending his entire life in this township, with the exception of two years when he lived in Kansas. While in that State he was a Jus- tice of the Peace and was conscripted into the Southern Army, but was fortunate enough to escape service. Returning to Sangamon County, he resumed farming on the homestead, where his death occurred, January 13, 1886.

Mr. Cooper was married in Riverton, Ill., February 9, 1864, to Lavina H. Garner, born in Washington County, Ind., July 20, 1844, a daughter of A. S. Garner; who was born in Tennessee, but his wife was a native of In- diana. Mr. Garner moved from Tennessee to Virginia, where he married, and in 1850 went to Indiana, remaining in Madison County for a short time. Later he came to Sangamon County and settled in Williams Township, two miles from Williamsville, where he operated a farm for two years, then moved to a farm near Mr. Cooper's. Later he bought a farm

near Sherman and lived on it until his death in 1876. His wife had died in 1854, having borne him four children, two of whom survive. Mr. and Mrs. Cooper had no issue. Mrs. Cooper is proud of the fact that her great-grandfather, John Smith, was a soldier in the Revolutionary War, being a body guard of General Washing- ton. IIer grandfather, Elijah Smith, was boru on a battle field, when families were gathered on the field, and was named by General Wash- ington. Mrs. Cooper rode on the first engine run over the Chicago & Alton Railroad, from Wil- liamsville to Springfield. As she remembers much of the early history of this locality, her conversation is very entertaining. Abraham Lincoln was a familiar figure to her, as was Stephen A. Dougias, and other great men of the period. Further than this, Mrs. Cooper had the pleasure of being in Mr. Lincoln's office after his election to the presidency for the first time, and shook hands with him, proffering her congratulations, which he appreciated and ac- cepted in his characteristicaily genial manner. The farm of forty acres owned by Mrs. Cooper on Section 32, Williams Township, is numbered among the most valuable in the township.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Cooper early joined the Methodist Church, and Mr. Cooper died, as he had lived, firm in its faith, a trne Christian gentleman. In politics Mr. Cooper was a Demo- crat. He was a man of kindly disposition, whose many charities were distributed in se- cret, for he was retiriug by nature, and pre- ferred to do good withont publishing it to the

- world. The family with all of its connections, is well known here, as are the connections of Mrs. Cooper, and all are highly esteemed.

COPPLE, Jacob .- One of the men who through long years of hard work and careful sav- ing accumulated property sufficient to keep him in comfort the rest of his life, is Jacob Cop- ple, residing at No. 2106 East Cook Street, Springfield, who was born in Indiana, March 12, 1852, a son of Jacob and Elizabeth Copple, both natives of Indiana. The parents came to Il- linois at a very early date, spent a short time in Sangamon County, then removed to a farm in Christian County. They rented land in Christian Connty and lived there until the mother died. The father died one year later. Three of the severai children of the family sur- vive: Jacob; Matthew, a farmer of Mechanics- burg Township; and Bessie Warcutt, of Gal- veston, Tex.

Jacob Copple received a common school edu- cation and after leaving school engaged in farm- ing. He farmed in Christian Connty for some years and then began farming in Mechanics- burg Township, thus continuing until his re- tirement to Springfield in 1897. He then pur- chased his present residence, where he lives in well-earned retirement.

Mr. Copple was Inarried in Montgomery Connty, Kan., in 1892, to Mrs. Amanda (Kelly) Wilson, danghter of William Kelly and widow

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

of Solomon Wiison. She was born In Mechan- icsburg Township, March 12, 1840. Her parents were farmers of the township, and there died.

By her first marrlagc, Mrs. Copple had ten children, those living being: James, of Leaven- worth, Kan .; Louis, of Oklahoma; John, of Springfield; Luther, living in the west; Solo- mon, of Jopiin, Mo. Mr. and Mrs. Copple had one child now deceased. Mrs. Coppie has twenty-four grandchildreu.

Mr. Coppie owns his home and is a man of means. He belongs to the Christian Church, as does his wife. The Republican party ex- presses his political views and he gives Its candidates his support.

CORDES, Michel .- Germany has contributed much towards the citizenship of the United States, and emigrants from the Fatheriand have invariably turned out to be thrifty, honest and energetic, ready to do their share in the advancement of the interests of their adopted country and, by making the best of the oppor- tunities offered them, winning success in what- ever line of endeavor they have adopted. Michel Cordes, a seif-made man, who is engaged in agricultural pursuits on a farm of 247 acres on Section 7, Gardner Township, is a German- American citizen, born January 26, 1851, in Horsten, a son of Schwur and Anke Mary (Helmmearch) Cordes.

The father of Michel Cordes was a weaver by trade and also had a small farm in his native land, where he and his wife died about 1893. They had five children, as follows : Mary, the wife of Heinrich Gebhards; Annie, the wife of Albert Behrends; Johanna, the wife of Dietrich Harms, a farmer of Gardner Town- ship; Ameta, the wife of Gerhard Ghirlen, a farmer in Curran Township; and Michei.

Michel Cordes received his education in the schools of Germany, attending from the time he was six until he was fourteen years old. After leaving school he started to learn the trade of weaver, but not liking this trade, went to work on his father's farm, on which he con- tinucd until he was twenty years old. In 1871. ivearing of the opportunities offered to the am- bitious young man in America, he decided to visit the New World, intending to return to Germany in two years if he was not satisfied with conditions as he found tivem. He left home in August, 1871. and after a voyage of twelve days landed at New York, whence he came to Illinois, locating at Eureka, Woodford County, but two weeks later went to work for a German farmer, Herman IIarms. In the spring of 1872 he worked for various partles. earning good pay, and in 1873 secured employment on the farm of Isaac Reding, near Taliula, Ill., with whom he continued until the winter of 1876. In the spring of 1875 Mr. Cordes had been mar- ried to Miss Geriiardina Husmann, who was born in Etzei. Germany, where her parents had both died. Mrs. Cordes' only sister. Johanna, married Reppe Heinrichs, remained in Germany,

and had two sous, oue of whom is living with her in the Fatherland and the other, Henry Hein- richs, is a farmer in Bethei Township, Mc- Donough County, III.

After marriage Mr. aud Mrs. Cordes rented a farm uear Salisbury, in Salisbury Town- ship, and coutinued thereon until 1877, when they removed to the farm of a Mr. Pierce in the same township, but in 1879 again moved, renting the farm of John Watts, a tract of 160 acres located in Cartwright Township, in com- pany with two other parties. In 1880 Mr. Cordes decided to rent on his own account and subsequently located on the 200-acre farm of John N. Watts, and for thirteen years continued to reside there, being very successful in his operations. Having saved some money, Mr. Cordes then purchased 247 acres of land on Section 7, Gardner Towuship, paying $75 per acre, and there he has continued to reside to the present time. Coming to this country practicaily penniless, Mr. Cordes has worked his way to the front ranks of the substantial men of his community by perseverance, good man- agement and honest deaiing, and his farm Is now one of the best in his section of the country, the brush having been cleared, the land culti- vated so that it yieids fine crops, and the farm stocked witin fine horses, cattle and hogs, of the latter the Duroc-Jersey being Mr. Cordes' favor- ite breed, During the forty years that he has resided in Sangamon County he has established a record for uprightness of character, and is esteemed and respected by ali who have the pleasure of his acquaintance. A stanch Demo- crat in political affiliation, he has often been asked to hold public office, but with the ex- ception of a long term spent as a member of tile District School Board and a term as School Trustee, he has declined public preferment. He and Mrs. Cordes are consistent members of the Lutheran Church, of which they are liberal sup- porters. In addition to his farming operations Mr. Cordes is a stockhoider in both the Farm- ingdale and Richiand Elevator Companies, which have been very successful in handling the farmers' produce.

Mr. and Mrs. Cordes have been the parents of five children, as follows: Schwur Albert. born November 15, 1876, now assisting his father in the cultivation of the home farm, Herman H., born November 14. 1879, a farmer in Cart- wright Township, married Anna Wilms. has a daughter, Louise; Anna M., born September 19. 1882, married Dietrich W. Evers, a farmer near Greenview, Menard County ; Johanna C .. born October 11, 1886, Ilving at home; and Margaretta, Gerhardine, born May 15, 1892, died September 25, 1909.

CORRELL, Charles David .- A seven hundred acre farm is a large one to be operated by one man, and yet so thoroughly have modern meth- ods been installed in Sangamon County that progressive agriculturists there do not find the duties too onerous, assisted as they arc by sons

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

or efficient hired men. Such a property Is owned by Charles David Correll of Section 18, Illiopolis Township. He was born in the vil- lage of Illiopolis, September 30, 1878, being a son of David and Sarah Elizabeth (Peden) Correll, the former born in Mechanicsburg Township, September 3, 1835, and the latter in Zanesville, O., October 19, 1856. The father was a farmer and stockraiser all his life. The grandfather on the paternal side 'of the house moved to Sangamon County at an early date, and helped in its development. being numbered among the pioneers of those times.

Mr. Correll, of this record, received an ex- cellent education, attending ward schools at Springfield and Decatur, and graduated from Whipple Academy at Jacksonville, from a two- years' course at Illinols College of Jacksonville, and graduated in law from the legal depart- inent of the University of Michigan.

On January 27, 1904, he marrled Violet Jane Rule, born January 23, 1887, In Ploneer, Iowa, daughter of Thomas O. and Barbara (Dann) Rule. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Correll are: Charles Rule, born November 11, 1904; Barbara Isabelle, born December 20, 1906, and an Infant born August 5, 1911. Since his mar- riage Mr. Correll has lived on his farm. It con- tains 700 acres and he devotes it to raising stock for the market. The old tavern, or half-way house, used to stand near the spot where stands liis present residence, some 300 yards back from the road, on a high knoll, which overlooks the surrounding country. The house is modern and well adapted for comfortable living.

Since March, 1910, Mr. Correll has been President of Illiopolis Bank. Fifteen years ago he jolned Company I, Fifth Regiment, Illinois National Guard, and served three years. He belonged to the Illiopolls Lodge No. 521, A. F. & A. M., since 1899, and eleven years ago con- nected himself with Kedron Chapter. In 1909 he joined Lodge of Perfection ; In 1910, Rose St. C., and Princes of Jerusalem. While not tak- ing any active part In politles Mr. Correll gen- erally votes the Democratic ticket. He is a member of the Methodist Church. Leading a quiet, eventless life, Mr. Correll is contented with his lot and well he may be, for he stands very high in his community, and has a fine farm and a delightful family, while his surroundings are as pleasant as any man could ask.

COULTER, Earl C., was born in New Berlin, Ill., January 31, 1876, and is a son of Frank G. and Mary C. Coulter. He Is a grandson of Francis Taylor, who was one of the pioneers, having come from Bridgeport, Conn., to Sanga- mon County in the autumn of 1850.

Mr. Coulter spent his boyhood days on his father's farm and received his education in the publle school of New Berlin, graduating from the High School in the class of 1893. After finishing school he remained on the home farm until he reached his majority, when he rented some land west of New Berlin and started life

on his own account, with a determination to make the best of his opportunities, and with several years of valuable farming experience to his credit.

In 1901 Mr. Coulter purchased eighty acres of land situated in Section 21 of his native township and built thereon a home, where he still resides, His first house was destroyed ·by fire in the winter 1906 but in 1907 he erected a very comfortable and handsome residence to replace the old one. He has excellent build- Ings on his farm for sheltering hls stock and also his farming implements. He has always been a great lover of good horses, and has given considerable attention to the breeding of mules. In 1910, In partnership with Charles Shuff, he purchased a celebrated jack known as "High Tlde," standing 141% hands high and black in color, which at the age of two years weighed 1,050 pounds, and was the winner of the high- est award In the two-year-old class and also winner of the award In the grand champlon ex- hlbit for all ages at the Illinois State Fair in 1910. In the same year Mr. Coulter and Mr. Shuff also purchased a pure bred Percheron stalllon, weighing 1,800 pounds, known as "Lee." Both the jack and the stalllon are kept on Mr. Coulter's farm, which is known as "Clover Leaf Farm."

Mr. Coulter has always been devoted to farm Ilfe and has always taken great pride in keep- ing high grade stock. He is an excellent judge In this line and is a leader in stock-raising in hils part of the county. He has brought his eighty acre farm to a high state of cultivation and is known as a hustling, energetic young inan, whose success is the result of untiring perseverance and good judgment. He takes a deep Interest in every public enterprise, and is always to be found on the side of right. Reared by a devout Christlan mother, he united with the Presbyterlan Church early in life, and has for years been a supporter of the church and of the moral uplift of the com- munity.

In politics Mr. Coulter is a stanch Republi- can and he was one of the Yates delegates to the State Convention made famous by the dead- lock which lasted twenty-five days. He is President of the Sangamon County Farmers In- stltute and Is a gentleman in the highest sense of the term and a man of earnest purpose and endeavor.

He has spent his entire life In New Berlin Township, where he has many warm personal friends and well wishers.

COUNCIL, Alvin, belongs to one of the oldest familles of Sangamon County, his grandfather having come to Fancy Creek Township as early as 1819. He was born on the Council home- stead. on the Springfield and Peoria turnpike. Ilear his present home, May 19, 1873, son of George Washington and Olivia Laura (Miller) Council. The father was born August 6, 1834, and the mother, a native of West Liberty, Ohio,

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was boru February 17, 1851, and they were mar- ried March 24, 1868, locating on the farm where his pareuts settled in 1819. George W. Council euiisted October 25, 1862, in Company B, One Hundred Thirtieth Illinois Infantry, for three years, and was trausferred to Company G, First New Orleans Volunteer Infautry, iu which he was Second Lieuteuant, iu which capacity he served uearly a year after the close of the war, then was honorably discharged.

Hardy Council, father of George W., was born near Tarboro, N. C., September 20, 1793, was taken by his parents to Tennessee, thence to Barren Couuty, Ky., and subsequently to White County, Iii. He was there married in 1816 to Jane Hanna, who was born in Kentucky, Febru- ary 25, 1795, and the next year they came to Sangamon County on horseback, arriving there iu August, 1819, aud iocating in what became Fancy Creek Township. Mrs. Council brought with her, on her horse, a sack of wheat and many household implements, and Mr. Council carried what farming tools and implements he was able to bring. He buiit a rough cabin and, unabie to obtain a piow, took a grubbing hoe, or old-fashioned mattock, and dug up about an acre aud a half of laud, on which he sowed the wheat his wife had carried, and raised a good crop. When tbe laud was surveyed there was a liue between his cabin aud the grouud where he had raised his crop, and he was able to enter but one piece, choosing the one contain- ing his habitation. He and Robert McCielland, who came at the same time as himself, cut a large amount of grass, which they stacked for their horses and cattle, but not being aware of the danger from prairie fires, were unprepared for such a contingency, and before they knew it their hay was all burned. They fed their stock by cutting down elm trees so they could eat the buds. He and his wife had seven sons born on the farm, of whom five reached maturity : John H., Wesley, William F., Robert and George W. Hardy Council and his wife both died in San- gamon County, he July 26, 1873, and she March 30, 1863.

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 34

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