Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 35

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 35

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Aivin Council received his education in the public schools and early chose the occupation of farming, in which he has always met with grati- fying success. He became associated with his father in farming and stock raising. He has lived twelve years on his present place, which coutalns two hundred ninety acres of good farm land, and although for the past five years he has been unable to take an active part in its cuitivation, still lives there and superintends the work. He belongs to the Methodist Church and is a Republican in political belief. He Is a pro- gressive and enterprising citizen and interested in every movement for the general welfare and prosperity. He served some slx years as School Director, but otherwise has held no public of- fice. He is one of the best known men in the community, where he has a large number of friends.

Mr. Councii was married January 17, 1898, to

Rita Kate Barber, also a uative of Fancy Creek Township, born April 12, 1877, daughter of Andrew Jackson and Margaret Elizabeth (Lake) Barber, her father a native of Virginia, born in Fauquier County, October 5. 1836, and her mother born in Fancy Creek Township, De- cember 15, 1843. The grandfather of Mrs. Council, Bayliss G. Lake, was boru in Fauquier County, Va., November 1, 1795, and was married in Frederick County, October 5, 1820, to Eiiza Glascock, born in Loudoun County, October 31, 1800. They moved to Ciark County, Ohio, wirere three children were born, Bayliss G. Lake and John McBeth started April 3, 1827, on foot, to see Illinois, and arrived at Springfield, April 14th. After spending a month with some friends in Sangamon County, Mr. Lake made an en- gagemeut to help herd some cattle and drive them east, and arrived home in June of that year with more money than he had when he started. He returned to Sangamon County with his family, taking a wagon drawn by four horses, and arriviug in the fall of 1827, in what became Fancy Creek Township, where he and his wife had six more children.

Two children have been born to Alvin Coun- cil and wife, Florence Bessie, October 3, 1900, and Harold Barber, February 28, 1901.

COUNCIL, Emerson, is one of the younger farmers who have wou success in Sangamou County, and owns the Council family homestead in Section 12, Fancy Creek Township, which place was secured in 1819 by his grandfather, Hardy Council, one of the earliest settlers of the locality. Emerson Council was born on this farm July 27, 1885, son of George Washington and Olivia Laura (Miller) Council, the father born on the family homestead, August 6, 1834, and the mother born at West Liberty, Ohio, February 17, 1851. They were married March 24, 1868, and located on his father's farm. George W. Council enlisted October 25, 1862, in Company B, One Hundred Thirtieth Illinois In- fantry, for three years, and was transferred to Company G, First New Orleans Volunteer In- fautry, in which he was Second Lieutenant, aud served in that capacity until nearly one year after the close of the war, being then honorably discharged. He and his wife became parents of the following children : Clifford, Ida E., Alvin, boru May 19, 1873, a sketch of whom appears in this work; Emerson. The family was es- tablished iu Sangamon County by Hardy Couu- cil, who was a native of North Carolina, and proutinent among the first farmers of Sangamon Couuty, a full account of whom appears in con- nection with the sketch of Aivin Council in this work.

In boyhood Emerson Council attended public school and helped with the work on the home farm. He has never cared for other occupa tions than farming and has studied the needs and possibilities of Sangamon County land. He enjoys a quiet, peaceful life and has a comfort- able home. He is progressive along all lines of

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agriculture and stock-raising, and is the owner of a desirable farm. He is well known and popu- lar among his neighbors and associates, and is interested in local affairs, aithongh taking no ac- tive part in politics. He is a Republican in his views and has been a member of the I. O. O. F. for four years. In religions belief he is a Metho- dist, being a member of the church at Sherman. He is unmarried.

COX, Thomas, a section foreman for the Chicago & Alton Railroad Company and one of the most faithful employes of that system, is a reliable and well-known resident of Springfield, living on West Mason Street. He was born in Belfast, Connty Derry, Ireiand, November 11, 1859, a son of Thomas and Mary (Lamb) Cox, both na- tives of Ireland, who lived and died on the fam- ily farm in that country. One of their daughters resides in Beifast, Ireland, and she and Thomas are all who now survive.

After a common school education received in Ireland, Thomas Cox was bronght by an annt to America, when only eieven years old. They landed in Boston, whence they went to Warren Connty, N. J., where the lad fond work, with a farmer. Later he entered the employ of the Delaware & Lackawanna Railroad, in New Jer- sey, but in 1890 came to Illinois, settling in Chi- cago, where he remained for a time. He then worked in the stone quarries near Joliet, and about 1895 he entered the employ of the Chi- cago & Aiton Railroad Company, remaining with them for a time. He was then with the Big Four as section foreman at Carbon, Ind., but in 1900 returned to the Chicago & Alton at Spring- field, and is now in their employ.

In November, 1888, he was united in marriage, in Springfield, to Miss Mary Fogarty, born near Farmingdaie, Iil., a daughter of Irish-born par- ents, who settled there at an early day. Mr. Fo- garty was a farmer for many years, but later worked for the Buffaio & Ohio Railroad Com- pany, continuing in their employ until his death. His widow survives him, making her home in Farmingdaie. She and her husband had six sons and five daughters, of whom four survive. Mr. and Mrs. Cox have no children .. He is a Democrat and belongs to the Modern Woodmen. He and his wife are Roman Catholics and be- long to the St. Agnes parish. Mr. Cox is a solid, responsible man, who has many friends and de- serves the prosperity which is his.

COX, Thomas. (Vol. I, p. 123.)

CRAIG, John Newton, a well known and suc- cessfui farmer of Cotton Hili Township, Sanga- mon County, Iil., is a veteran of the Civil War, having served three years in the Confederate Army. He was a brave and faithfui soldier, and (though in the light of subsequent events he feels he should have been eniisted for the other side) did his fuii duty as he then saw it, and is worthy of credit and honor for the part he played in the struggle. Mr. Craig is

a native of Scotland, born August 7, 1836, son of James and Martha (Arbuckle) Craig, both also born in Scotland. The parents were far- mers and came to America in 1847, landing at Quebec, where the mother died while in quar- antine. The father moved farther west and his death occurred at Guelph, Canada, during the same year. They were parents of four children, ali of whom survive, namely: Daniel, John N., John D. and Jennie. The Craigs were descended from an old English family, of royai descent, and the grandparents of John N. Craig died in England.

The boyhood of John N. Craig was spent on a farm and he received his early education in the Canadian schools. He afterward attended Tennessee College in Giles County, Tenn., and also studied in night school in Louisville, Ky. He moved from Canada to Michigan, thence to Springfield, Ill., and then to Pulaski, Tenn., and was living at the latter place at the begin- ning of the Civil War. He enlisted in Com- pany K, First Tennessee, Captain C. Fields, un- der the command of George Manney, and served from 1861 until 1863, leaving the service after the Battle of Chickamauga. He was wounded at the Battle of Perryville and taken prisoner, but soon afterward exchanged. The important battles in which he participated included : Shiloh, Perryvilie, Chickamanga, Greenbrier, Cheat Mountain and many skirmishes.

As a young man Mr. Craig learned the trade of cabinet-making, but has spent most of his life in agricultural pursuits. He has always been fond of outdoor life and as a boy liked ali kinds of sport. He was married (first) in 1866, in Springfield, Ili., to Jennie Dowling, and they became parents of children as follows : James S. and Flora, both of whom are deceased and are buried in Oak Ridge Cemetery.

Mr. Craig was married (second) in Spring- fieid, in 1880, by Rev. Hale, to Mary Ann Mur- phy, born in Ireland, daughter of William and Lettie (Hill) Murphy, both natives of Ireland, the latter of whom died in Illinois. Five chil- dren were born to Mr. Craig and his second wife, as follows : William H., born May 7, 1881, married Dora Hyle and they live in Chicago; John Arbuckle and Alexander, twins, born August 17, 1883; Matilda Bess, August 17, 1886, and Jennie Lind, August 12, 1888. All were reared and educated in Sangamon County and all survive. The family are members of the Methodist Church. Mr. Craig is held in high esteem by ali and is considered an industrious, useful citizen. He served sixteen years as Jus- tice of the Peace of Cotton Hiil Township. He owns eighty-five acres of fertile land where he lives, and carries on generai farming. He is honest and upright in all his dealings and in- terested in the welfare and progress of the com- munity.

CRANE, James L. (Voi. I, p. 605.)

CRAWLEY, James (deceased) .- In naming those who have been representative men in their va-

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

rious lines in Sangamon County, Ill., mention should be made of the late James Crawley, who for many years was engaged in agricultural pursuits and in blacksmithing on Sections 1 and 2, Ball Township, and who fought as a Union soldier during the Civil War. Mr. Craw- ley was born in St. Joseph, Mo., March 20, 1840, a son of Conrad and Elizabeth (Mcclellan) Crawley, natives of Missouri, where the latter died, the former passing away in Menard County, Ili. Mr. Crawley's grandparents on the paternal side were Missourians and spent their entire lives in their native state, while his Grandfather Mcclellan came to Sangamon County, and there his death occurred.

James Crawley secured his education in the country schools of Sangamon County, Ill., and his boyhood was spent on the home farm. As a youth he engaged in blacksmithing and lived with his parents, who were Abolitionists. Mr. Crawley was living in Illinois when the Civil War broke out and enlisted in Company I, Sev- enth Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, with which organization he served until the close of the war, being mustered out July 9, 1865, at Springfield, at which time he had risen to the rank of Lieutenant. During his army service Mr. Crawley engaged in many desperate battles, including Corinth, Chattanooga, Nash- ville and Clarksville, and he was twice wounded, once in the arm and once in the head. After returning from the war Mr. Crawley again en- gaged in blacksmithing and farming, and his widow is now living on the homestead farm of fifty-eight acres situated on Sections 1 and 2 in Ball Township. Mr. Crawley was a Republi- can in politics, but could never be induced to ac- cept any position of public preferment. His family are members of the Christian Church and, while he was never a member of any re- ligious denomination, he was always charitably inclined and supported the Christian Church to the extent of his financial ability. Mr. Crawley was a popular comrade of A. J. Weber Post, Grand Army of the Republic, at Pawnee, Ill.

Mr. Crawley was married in Sangamon County, Ill., December 7, 1865, to Elizabeth Shoup, who was born in the county June 18, .1840, daughter of Timothy and Mary (Keyes) Shoup, natives of Ohio, who died in Sangamon County, both being buried in Newcomer Ceme- tery. Mrs. Crawley's grandparents on both sides of her family were natives of Ohio, who came as agriculturists to Sangamon County, Ill., and there died.

To Mr. and Mrs. Crawley were born three children, as follows: Mary Edna, born Sep- tember 11, 1866. married J. T. Weston, resides in Springfield, Ill., and has one son, Harry, who married Martha Schafer, of Chicago, by whom he had a child who died in infancy, and they now reside in St. Louis; John E., born April 14, 1869, married April 27, 1898, Sarah A. Young, born in Sangamon County, January

21, 1879, and they live on the oid home place and have two children, Gracie May, born Janu- ary 25, 1899, and Ernest Leo, born July 14, 1900; and Clara May, born July 9, 1876, mar- ried Edward Rohrer, a well-known agricultur- ist carrying on operations in Sangamon County, and they have three children-Elmer (born August 12, 1894), Leroy (born January 12, 1896), and Irene J. (born Aprii 4, 1899).

CREAMER, Patrick .- Some of the most brilliant men this country has ever had were either born in Ireland or came of Irish parentage. Not oniy are they successful in a business way, but they dominate politics and make friends wherever found. Sangamon County, fortunately, has many of these genial, pleasant sons of Erin, and one who has friends all over this part of the state is Patrick Creamer, now living re- tired in his pleasant home in Illiopolis. Mr. Creamer was born in the western part of Ire- land, in 1833, being a son of Michael and Ann (McGarry) Creamer, natives of that country. Neither of his parents came to America, but passed away in Ireiand. Of their large family Mr. Creamer is the only one now living.

Growing up on the family farm in Ireland, Mr. Creamer attended the parish school, but was not at all satisfied with his opportunities, so in 1848 left home, going first to Liverpool, whence he sailed to New York. Arriving in that city he spent a week there, then went south to Philadelphia, where he arrived, Febru- ary 12, 1849. This continued his home untii 1858. During this time he worked along differ- ent lines, finally leaving for Chester County, Pa., to farm. Returning to Philadelphia, he remained there a short time, then came west to Elkhart, Logan County. Ill., where he worked on various farms for nine years, but during this time bravely served his adopted country, enlisting in 1862 in the One Hundred and Sixtlı Illinois Volunteer Infantry, but was discharged on account of illness. Returning to Sangamon County, lie resumed his farming. By saving his money he was able to buy land, now owning eighty acres in addition to his home in Illi- opolis. This farm he operated until his retire- ment in 1896, since which time he has taken life more easily.

The marriage of Mr. Creamer occurred in Philadelphia, January 31. 1866, to Mary Mc- Cabe. born in Ireland. Both of her parents came to America, settling first in Logan County, but several years later moving to Sangamon County, where they bought a farm, making it their home until death claimed them. One child was born to Mr. and Mrs. Creamer, who died in infancy.

The Democratic party has always found a stanch supporter in Mr. Creamer, but he has never cared to run for office although his per- sonal popularity would doubtless cause him to run ahead of his ticket. Since childhood Mr. Creamer has been a consistent member of

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

the Roman Catholic Church, and the parish priest of Illiopolis finds in him an able lay as- sistant in religious work.

The records of the lives of those men who came to Sangamon County before it had at- tained its present importance, show how much the people of today owe to those who prepared the way. Farming in earlier days was not the profitable business it is today, nor was it prose- cuted so easily. There was but little demand for products and prices were low. Transporta- tion to the larger cities was costiy, so the farmer of half a century ago did not expect to do much more than make a bare living. This being true, it is easy to recognize what sacrifices were entailed so that even little might be saved. Ilteraliy, penny by penny was the necessary money accummulated to make a payment on a bit of iand. Once it was owned there came the hard work of . breaking the soii, planting the seed, harvesting, and then, most difficult of ali, finding for the grain a good market. No wonder the farmers of those days wore out and are now enjoying a much-deserved rest, retired from business worries.

CREIGHTON, James A .. (Vol. I, p. 124.)

CRISSEY, Stephen T .- Agriculturai conditions in Sangamon County, Ill., have changed greatiy during the past twenty-five or thirty years, and even the farmer of a decade ago is surprised by the innovations he finds when he makes a trip to a farm, the operation of which he has turned over to other hands. Methods, machin- ery and ideas have improved, with the result that better crops are grown and the farmer's work becomes more and more a thing of ma- chinery, to replace the hard physical labor of a few years ago. One man who has seen the various changes in the calling of farming is Stephen T. Crissey, a venerable citizen of Springfield, and a veteran of the Civil War, who was for thirty years engaged in agricul- tural pursuits in the county. Mr. Crissey was born in Westchester County, N. Y., March 20, 1838, and is a son of Alva and Julia A. (Tut- tle) Crissey, natives of Bedford, N. Y., where the foriner was born in 1797 and the latter in 1807. The family resided in Westchester County until 1854, at which time they moved to Bates, Ill., sixteen miles west of Springfield, and after spending two years there moved to a farm near Springfield, where Mr. Crissey's parents died. His paternal grandfather fought during the American Revolution.

Stephen T. Crissey received his education in the country schools of his native locality, after leaving which he went to learn the printer's trade In New York City, and worked there for a short time. He came West with his parents in 1854, and there continued to farm for many years, retiring in 1899, when he came to Spring- fieid. He owns a comfortable home at No. 1227 West Lawrence Avenue, in addition to a large farm and fruit orchard, and is considered one

of the substantial men of his community. Mr. Crissey has always been a stanch Republican and has served a number of terms as Schooi Director. In 1860, while living in Loami, Ill., Mr. Crissey took part in a political parade as a member of the "Wide Awake Marching Club," which went from that town to Springfield, the delegation carrying a rail, which was deposited in the yard of Abraham Lincoln's home, and serenaded Lincoln at the ratification of his nomination. He showed his patriotism later by eniisting in Company B One Hundred Thir- tieth United States Infantry, from Bunker Hili, Iil., and was a prisoner at the Confederate prison in Sinith County, Tex., at the time of the assassination of President Lincoln. In August, 1865, he was mustered out of service, his time having expired. He is a member of Stephen- son Post No. 30, Grand Army of the Republic. His religious affiliation is with the Methodist Church.

On Aprii 2. 1870, Mr. Crissey was married in Springfield to Emma Dney, who was born in Chippensburg, Pa., in 1850, and whose parents, Philip and Catherine (Dunbar) Duey, natives of same place, were farming people, and came to Sangamon County, Ili., in 1866. Both died there. Of the eight children born to Mr. and Mrs. Crissey the foliowing are living: Warren, a pattern-maker at Ides foundry, residing on South Eleventh Street; Lula, wife of Harry Roundtree, in the employ of the Bruce Searles Piano Company; May, wife of George Henze. a cigar manufacturer of Jacksonville, Ill .; and Florence, wife of Frank Williams, in the em- ploy of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Com- pany at Springfield, Ill. Mr. and Mrs. Crissey have thirteen grandchildren.

CRISSEY, William Henry (deceased), who was for many years a carpenter and buiider of Springfield, Iii .. born in Westchester County, N. Y., February 5, 1828, and spent his childhood and youth in his native State, where he received his education. He was a son of Benjamin and Julia (Tuttle) Crissey, the former a native of Westchester County and a shoemaker by trade. After leaving school William H. Crissey engaged in farming and in 1852 came to Illinois, locating on the Ketcham farm in Sangamon County. This farm contained 3,500 acres and Mr. Crisséy was engaged in farming on it as assistant manager. In 1864 he located in Springfield, which has since been the family home, and soon became engaged in carpenter work. He later began contracting on his own account and became very successful in this line of enterprise.

Mr. Crissey was married in Westport, Conn., December 17, 1851, to Miss Hannah Jennings Lockwood, who was born in that State, August 2, 1832. daughter of Samuel and Susan Julia (Bunell) Lockwood, both natives of Connecti- cut. Ten children were born to Mr. Crissey and his wife, of whom five survive, namely : Frank L., a contractor residing in Springfield ;

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

Hattie B., unmarried and living at home with her mother ; Nellie M., wife of Frank R. Rog- ers, resides in Springfield, and have two chll- dren-Hattie E., wife of Herbert L. Moore, and F. Donald, resides in Springfield: Susie married Frank P. Gayle, lives in Chicago, and they have one child, Frank W .; Frederick, of Springfield, is marrled and has five children --- Norman H., Haroid E., Frederick, Robert and Howard, all at home except Norman and Har- old, who attend schooi.

Mr. Crissey was a member of the First Methodist Church at Fifth and Monroe Streets, Springfield, and in politics was a stanch Re- pnbilcan, aithough he never took a very ac- tive part in public affairs. He was an expert carpenter and won an excellent business repu- tation. He was a man of social instincts and had many friends, who genuinely mourned his loss. Ile was devoted to his family and always soilcitons of their welfare. Mr. Crissey died in Springfield, December 19, 1879, and his re- mains were buried in Oak Ridge Cemetery.

CROOK, Alija Robinson, Ph. D., traveler, edu- cator, author and scientist, on December 15, 1906, became Curator of the Illinois State Mu- senin of Natural History, Springfield. Heredity and environment both had their in- fluence in shaping the iife and career of one who for years has reflected honor upon the State of Illinois. The story of his ancestors is interwoven with the early settlement of New England, and he is a direct descendant of Will- iam Bradford, the second Governor of the Ply- mouth Colony. Of the same family came Major- General George Crook, of military fame.

Alija Robinson Crook was born at Circleviile, Ohio, June 17, 1864, a son of Rev. Isaac and Emma (Wilson) Crook. Dr. Isaac Crook was born at Crossenville. Perry County, Ohio, De- cember 9, 1833, and Is now a resident of Spo- kane, Wash. He married Emma Wilson, who was born at Delaware, Ohio, November 10, 1836, both he and his wife were graduated from the Ohio Wesleyan University, and he has the de- grees of A. M., D. D. and LL. D. For many years he was a clergyman of the Methodist Episcopal Church and for a number of years was President of the Ohio Wesleyan University, at Athens, Ohio. At the time of his superannua- tion, he was Presiding Elder of the Chillicothe (Ohio) District. He was a Delegate to the General Conferences and to the Ecumenial Con- ferences held at Washington and the Worid's Missionary Conference at Edinburg. He is the author of a number of works, the best known perhaps being: "Jonathan Edwards," "John Knox," and "The Great Expectation," and as a contributor to numerous magazines.

Alija R. Crook secured his degree of A. B. at Ohio Wesleyan University in 1887, and fur- ther pursned is studies at Berlin, Zurich and Mnnich, receiving the degree of Ph. D. at Mu- nlch University in 1892. Subsequently, he was a speciai student in the British Museum, the

Jardin des Plantes aud the Brussels Musenm, but prior to this, he had been superintendent of the public schools of Mt. Carmel, Ohio. After three years of study in German nuiversities he became professor of natural history at Wheaton (Ill.) College, and continued there nntil 1893, then became professor of mineralogy and econ- omic geology, at Northwestern University, at Evanston, Ill., where he remained until 1906, when he accepted the position of Curator of the Museum of Natural History in Springfield. Prof. Crook has traveled extensively and has written much, while as a lecturer he has ap- peared before many scientific bodles, his knowl- edge of unmerous subjects having been ob- tained first hand. He has climbed Mt. Blanc, Orizaba, and other peaks, has been a member of numerous scientific expeditions, and has per- sonally visited almost every part of the United States and Mexico, and has also made trips to Siberia and Asia Minor. In order to be able to enjoy many of these expeditions and take an able part in the work then done, Prof. Crook has found it necessary to be something of an athlete, and acknowledges a fondness for aqua- tic and ice sports, also being a tennis player of no small skill.

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 35

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