Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 48

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 48

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After completing the course in the district school in Gardner Township and Farmingdale School. John A. Ernst took a course in Biack- burn University at Carlinville, Iii. He has passed his entire active life in agriculturai pur- suits. He resided with his parents until the death of his father, then locating on his present farm. He owns a weli Improved and productive farm of 160 acres on Section 14. Island Grove Township, Sangamon County. He has been a member of the Presbyterian Church since at- taining his majority, first joining the Farming- daie Church and iater transferring his member- ship to the church at Bates. He served several years in both churches as Superintendent of the Sunday Schools, and has also been active in forwarding the interests of the Y. P. S. C. E. In political belief he is a Prohibitionist. but in voting is independent of party rule, voting for the men he considers best fitted to serve the highest interests of the public.

Mr. Ernst was married at the Corson home near Pleasant Piains, Iii., October 13, 1897, to Ida May, daughter of Richard S. and Mary Corson, both natives of Cape May County, N. J. Mr. Corson followed the sea for nearly twelve years, but not wishing his sons to become sailors, came to Iiiinois and spent one summer, looking for a desirable location. He then re- turned to New Jersey on horse-back, sold his farm, and brought his family back to Iilinols, iocating near Pleasant Plains in 1846. He and his wife celebrated thelr sixty-fifth wedding anniversary October 16, 1901. He died in December, 1901, aged eighty-seven years, and his widow died in August, 1909, at the age of eighty-elght years, having spent fifty years on the oid home farm in Sangamon County. Both were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mrs. Ernst was born on the farm near Pleasant Plains October 25, 1866, the youngest of a large family of children. She attended Frankiin District School in Cartwright Town- ship, took a teacher's course at Jacksonville, Ili., and taught for a number of years in Sanga- mou County. She was a member of Farming- daie Methodist Episcopal Church in young womanhood, but with Mr. Ernst joined Bates Presbyterian Church, and is an active member of the Sunday school and Missionary Society of same. Mr. and Mrs. Ernst are identified with the best interests of their community and are ready to advance any movement for the generai welfare and advancement. They have no chil- dren.

ERNST, William Franklin, farmer and stock feeder of Section 7, Gardner Township, was born on the farm he now occupies, December 21, 1870, a son of Frank and Sarah Jane ( Ross) Ernst, who were married July 25, 1861. The father was a native of Bremen, Germany, be- ing born there March, 1834, but came to Amer- ica in 1854, settiing in Gardner Township. There he married and became one of the lead- ing men of his times. There, too, his death occurred, March 21, 1898. In politics he was a strong Republican but never desired office. His wife was born in Adair County, Ky., Feb- ruary 14, 1831, and was brought to Sangamon County about 1835, by her parents. Her father, William Ross, became one of the influential men of the township and made it his home un- tii his death. Mr. and Mrs. Ernst were the parents of children as follows: John A., a farmer of Isiand Grove Township; Rev. Al- bert F., now in charge of the First Presby- terian Church of Grand Island, Neb., married Mabei Gambel and they have two children, Ed- gar L. and Albert F. J .; Julia and Jennie, twins, born March 13, 1866, the former, widow of W. R. Morres, having two children, LeRoy and Heien, while Jennie is at home; Emma, born June 24, 1868, married W. H. Echei, a farmer near Berry, Iii., and William F. Mrs. Ernst was the widow of James Short at the time of her marriage to Mr. Ernst, and by her

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first marriage had two children, Mary A. and Millie. Mrs. Ernst still survives and makes her home with her son, William F. She possesses a remarkable memory of times as they were years ago, and is a most Intelligent lady. Since childhood she has been a member of the MIeth- odist Church, and tenderly cherishes her ac- sociatlons with this denomination. The re- mainder of her family are Presbyterians.

William F. Ernst grew up at home and early became a farmer. The homestead is one of the many comfortable ones to be found in Gardner Township, and since the death of the father in 1898 Mr. Ernst has had charge of the 129 acres composing it. He has put it iuto a high state of cultivation. For some years he has been specializing on hogs and cattle, shipping three carloads of each annually. He belleves in high-grade stock and pays big prices for what he bnys so as to keep up his quality.

On February 4, 1908, Mr. Ernest married Ger- trude Sims, born in Curran Township, March 19, 1882, danghter of James B. Sims, also born in Curran Township, in 1838. Mr. Sims became one of the prosperous farmers of the locality, where he and his wife reside, and where he is quite active as a Republican. Mr. Ernst is also a stanch Republican and has rep- presented his party three times as County Commissioner. His advocacy of progressive movements has gained him many friends and he Is justly recognized as one of the rising yonng farmers of the county, as well as a live, representative citizen, always looking to secure the best for the people he represents.

ESTILL, Capt. William John (deceased), whose military experience was gained in two wars, in both of which he bore an honorable part, had been resident of Petersburg, Ill., since the memorable Battle of Shiloh, that turning point in the great civil war struggle, in which he re- ceived injuries. Capt. Estill was born in Menard County, Ill., October 18, 1826, a son of William and Mary (Williams) Estill. Both parents were of Southern birth, the father be- ing a native of old Virginia, while the mother belonged to one of the prond old families of Kentucky, of remote English extraction. The Estills came originally from France. The par- ents of Capt. Estill were among the earliest settlers of Menard County, and when, in 1800, they came to this section, they had penetrated to the borders of civilization. They spent the remaining years of their lives on their lands in Menard Connty.

William John Estill attended the early schools near his father's farm, but educational oppor- tunities were exceedingly meager at that time. His first work away from home was when he became an employe in the lead mines at Galena, and he was working there when he went out with the regiment for service in the Mexican War, from which he returned safely and re- sumed farming for a time, but subsequently went into mercantile business. Although he

had already proven his patriotism and love of country, when the Civil War was precipitated he was willing again to endanger his life In be- half of the Union canse, and entered the service, becoming Captain of the Twenty-eighth Illinois Volunteer Infantry. He saw a long period of hard service, which culminated In his injuries at the Battle of Shiloh, from which he was sent home to Col. John Williams. As soon as he had sufficiently recuperated he re- sumed mercantile pursuits, in which he con- tinned until he was elected Circult Clerk of Menard County, and served in that office for elght years. He then became interested In the coal industry, and it is a matter of record that the first mine strike in Menard County origi- nated in his mine, and also a matter of record that through his wisdom, tact and good judg- ment the whole matter was amicably settled In a week's time. He had. been interested to some degree in other business enterprises and was a Director of the Chicago & Alton Railway. .

Captain EstllI was twice married: (first) in 1849, to Mina Walker, who died in 1874. On May 11, 1876, he married Hannah J. Collins, then of Petersburg, who was born In Cass County, Iil., seven miles from Beardstown, Octo- ber 7, 1855. She is a danghter of Henry S. and Mary Jane (Sutton) Collins, the former of whom was born in Ohio and the latter In Indiana. They were early settlers in Cass County, In the vicinity of Beardstown. To Captain and Mrs. Estill seven children were born, namely: Emma P., who was born March 15, 1877; Blucher W., born August 17, 1880, lives at Springfield, mar- ried Sarah Gorey, of Chatham, Iil., and they have two children, Margaret E. and William P .; William J. and Mary J., twins, born Septem- ber 14, 1881, the former of whom died July 4, 1886; Nellie born September 11, 1885, died July 2, 1886; Frances, born May 28, 18SS. married J. D. Eiiington, of Springfield; and Hannah, who was born August 22, 1889.

In his political vlews Capt. Estill was always in sympathy with the Democratic party and at one time was his party's choice for the Legisla- ture, but sickness prevented his serving. He has been identified with the Masonic fraternity for many years, unlting with the same at Springfield. With his family, he belonged to the Episcopal Church, in which he had served as Vestryman. Capt. Estill's long life was one of helpful endeavor, both in example and pre- cept, and those who loved, admired and esteemed hlm are by no means confined to his own home circle. He was a valued comrade In the local Grand Army Post. He dled December 19, 1891, two and one-half mlles west of Alexander, La., and is buried in the Episcopal Church cemetery at Pineville, La.

ESTROP, Richard .- Owing to the large mining interests of Great Britain, many persons born within the confines of the kingdom turn their attention towards that line of endeavor and learn the work thoroughly under competent

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

supervision. One of the men of this class who later came to Sangamon County is Richard Estrop, now retired and living at Dawson. He was born in Lincolnshire, England, April 17, 1845, heing a son of Richard and Anna Estrop, both natives of England, who never left that country, where they died. They had three sons, of whom two, Richard and a brother, Jarvis, of North Dakota, snrvive.

Dnring boyhood Richard Estrop worked for his father on the farm, securing what ednca- tion he could, hut when he reached the age of fourteen began mining. Eventnally he became dissatisfied with conditions in England and on April 9, 1872, sailed for America from Liver- pool, landing in New York City. From that city he went to Schuylkill, Pa., but remained there only a short time and came on to River- ton, Ill. Until 1876 he mined there, hut in that year returned to England. This was but a flying visit, however, and upon his return he resumed his mining operations In Riverton and later moved to Barclay, where he continned mining for twenty-five years. He then retired to Dawson and for the past two years has found in that city the requirements for a good home. Nearly all his life in the United. States has been spent in mining operations in Sangamon County. He was also for a short time interested in inines in Petersburg. Fra- ternally Mr. Estrop is a member of Barclay Lodge No. 555, 1. O. O. F. For a number of years he has been a member of the Methodist Church.

On July 29, 1866, Mr. Estrop was married in England to Mary A. Dinsdale, also a na- tive of England, having heen born in Yorkshire, January 15, 1849, a daughter of William Dins- dale, a blacksmith. He and his excellent wife were the parents of nine children, fonr of whom survive, Mrs. Estrop being the eldest living, and the others being: Mrs. Ellen Windrass, of England; William and Mrs. Alice Lynch, hoth of Darlington, England. Mr. and Mrs. Estrop are the parents of nine children, slx of whom survive : Mrs. David Smith, of Dawson ; Thomas, of Spaulding; Stephen, residing near Barclay ; Walter of Barclay, and Albert, of Dawson, as well as Miss Ellen, who resides with her parents. Mr. Estrop owns his residence in Dawson, as well as other property In the vicin- ity, and is numbered among the responsible men of his community. During a long and active iife he has proven what can be accomplished through hard work and earnest purpose, and he and his family are proud of what he has achieved.

EVANS, John T., an industrious farmer living at Spaulding, Ill., was born in Wales, Augnst 5, 1840, son of Thomas and Ann (Morgan) Evans, hoth natives of Wales. the former born in 1795 and the latter in 1798. They were farmers and spent their entire lives in their native country, where the father dled in 1863 and the mother ten years later. Ten children

were born to Thomas Evans and his wife, tive sons and five daughters, and eight of these clil- dren are now living: Thomas, William, Mor- gan, Evan, Margaret, Jane, Elizabeth, ali liv- ing in Wales, and John T., the subject of this sketch.

John T. Evans spent his boyhood on his father's farm and received his education in his native conntry. He remained with his father nntil he was fifteen years of age, then spent tonr years at railroad work. He followed min- ing for five years in Wales, and in 1869 came to America, landed In New York, and went from there to Morris Rnn, Pa., where for a time . he followed mining. Later in the same year he came to Bloomington, Ill., worked there a few months, and in the spring moved to Lincoln. He afterwards went to Carhondale, Kan., and spent a few months in the mines there, but re- turned to Lincoln and spent some time there, after which he spent two years in the mines at Churchill, Ohio. He came to Spanlding and secured some land in the vicinity. He has been fairly successful financially and has won many friends.

Mr. Evans was married, at Churchill, Ohio, Angnst 30, 1876, to Margaret Jenkins, who was born Jnly 5, 1851, daughter of John and Rachel Jenkins, hoth of whom are now deceased. Mrs. Jenkins came to America forty years ago and located at Churchill. Nine children were born to Mr. Evans and his wife, five sons and four danghters : Thomas, a member of the I. O. O. F., living at Dawson, Ill .; Sarah, wife of Joseph Runkles, a carpenter and miner ; David, lives at Riverton; Margaret, wife of John Raylets, a farmer; John and Williams, lives at home; Elizabeth, wife of Frank Esper, a mine examiner and village clerk of Riverton ; Emma, at home. There are six grandchildren in the family.

Mr. Evans Is a member of the Christian Church and in politics is a Republican. Fra- ternally he belongs to the American Home Circle. He Is considered one of the representative cit- izens of Spaulding and has established a reputa- tion for integrity and reliability. During 1906-7 he served as City Alderman.

EVERHART, George William. - Prominent among the representative citizens of Sanganion County, is George William Everhart, who has been Identified with publle life since the Civil War, during which he fought both as a Con- federate and a Union soldier. He was a Justice of the Peace for forty years and Collector of Rochester, Ill., for a period covering forty-four years. Ile was born In Hamilton, Loudoun County. Va., May 1. 1845, a son of Nathanlel W. and Dorcas Fritz Everhart. The grand- father of Mr. Everhart was a native of Baden- Baden, Germany, and came to the United States prior to the Revolutionary War. He served as a Captain during that struggle, his home being in Virginia, where lie died. The great-grand- mother was the only danghter of Prince Gar.

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

of Germany. The great-grandfather Fritz came from Germany and his son (George M. Ever- hart's maternal grandfather) was born in Vir- ginia. William Fritz, the uncle of George W. Everhart, is still living, and is actively practic- ing the profession of medicine at Hagerstown, Md., although he has reached the remarkable age of 101 years. Nathanlel W. Everhart was born in Loudoun County, Va., spent his whole life there and died at the age of ninety-eight years and six months, while his wife, also a native of that county attained the advanced age of ninety-six years. By occupation he was a harness and saddle maker.

George William Everhart secured his educa- tion in a private school at Leesburg, Va., which he attended until sixteen years of age, and im- medlately after leaving school enlisted in the army. As a boy he had always been remark- ably fond of horses, so it was only natural that he should enlist in a cavalry regiment, becom- ing a member of the Thirty-fifth Virginia Regi- ment, Confederate Army, under Captain Frank Myers and Colonel White, April 30, 1861, and John Mobley, the great guerilla, was a mem- ber of the same company. Mr. Everhart still carrles an ounce ball in his leg that he received in the battle of Brandy Station, Va., as well as several saber wounds. He was captured by the Unionists near Hillsboro, Va., and taken to Rock Island, Ill., where he enlisted in the Union Army, February 5, 1864, becoming a member of Company K, Second Regiment, United States Volunteers, under Col. Hines. He was in the Indian Campaign in Kansas and Colorado, served thirteen months, and was mus- tered out of the service, March 30, 1865. While in the Confederate Armny his battles iucluded Bull Run, first and second, Manassas Gap, Balls Bluff, Winchester, Strasburg, Brandy Station and seven days at Richmond, not to men- tion numerous skirmishes. While in the United States Army he fought at Fort Dodge and also took part in many other Indlan fights.

After the war Mr. Everhart returned to his Virginia home, but shortly thereafter came to Illinois, where he has resided ever since, erecting many houses and carrying on an exten- sive business. He has been identified with some public office most of the time since coming to Rochester. He was Deputy United States Mar- shall under President Cleveland for four years, Crier of the Federal Court for five years, has been Justice of the Peace, for the past forty years (an office which he still holds), and Col- lector for forty-four years. Hls politics were those of the Democratic party, until he voted for President Mckinley when he ran in opposi- tion to William J. Bryan. Locally he votes the Democratic ticket. Although connected with no religious denomination, Mr. Everhart is a firin bellever in the benefits of church work and gives his support to all movements of a religious nature. He has been successful in business ventures and is now the owner of several pieces of city property.

On June 1, 1869, Mr. Everhart was united in marriage in Rochester, Ill., by the Rev. Carter Tracy, to Lucy West, who was born in Roches- ter, August 25, 1846, a daughter of Samuel and Rosetta (Putnam) West, the latter a grand- daughter of General Putnam, of Revolutionary fame. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Everhart, namely : Lucy, who died in Sangamon County ; Fred, born May 2, 1871, editor of a Rochester paper, married Lulu Ren- frow and had one child who died in infancy ; and Nora, born August 25, 1873, married Wil- llam Greer, of Springfield, and has a sixteen- year old chilld, Olin.

FAGAN, James K., a retired farmer of Sanga- mon County, now living on North Jefferson Street, just outside the City of Springfield, was born in Germantown, N. J., June 8, 1842, son of Thomas and Bridget (Murry) Fagan, both natives of Dublin, Ireland, the father born in 1812 and the mother in 1811. Thomas Fagan was a stone- cutter by trade. He and his wife located in New Jersey in 1822 and there she died in 1863, and is buried in Mendham, N. J. In 1868, having lived a few years in Sangamon County, Ill., Mr. Fagan went East and remalned a year and a half, then returned to Sangamon County, where he owned a farm and followed his trade. He died July 2, 1899, and is buried in Calvary Cemetery.

The education of James K. Fagan was acquired in the public schools of his native State and he worked on his father's farm until he was twenty-four years old, then worked in a brick yard In Springfield for Mr. H. Westlake. Later he became employed in the same business by Mr. Fairchild, and helped make brick for the State House. He worked three years for Mr. Fairchild, then was seriously hurt by being accidentally buried in a pit at the yards and was some time recovering. Upon becoming able to resume work, he purchased a team and for two years hauled brick and coal for Mr. Fair- child. Following this he located on a farm at Bissell, Ill., where he carried on agricultural pursuits with success for thirty-three years. About 1903 he left his farm and located in his present comfortable residence in the outskirts of Springfield, but still owns seventy-two acres of good farmning land at Bissell. He has always been industrious, and although not always en- joying good health, has accomplished a great deal of work, by reason of his energy and am- bltion. At the time of the Civil War he applied for admission to the army, but as he could not pass the required physical examination, was re- jected. He is a man of honesty and reliability and has a large number of friends.

Mr. Fagan was married, in New Jersey, Octo- ber 24, 1864, to Margaret Havey, daughter of Michael and Ellza Havey, who was born August 19, 1840. Her parents came to America at an early date, and both dled in Mendham, N. J., he in 1897 and she in 1907. One child was born to Mr. and Mrs. Fagan, Mary, wife of

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

Mathis Dilley, a telegraph operator at Shelby- ville, Ill. Mr. Fagan married (second), in 1868, Margaret Lamb, and they became parents of five children, namely : Thomas, a coal miner ; James, engaged in mlning; Peter, a farmer living at Bissell ; Charles, a coal miner, and one daughter, deceased, was the wife of James Merrill. Mr. Fagan has ten grandchildren. He is a member of the Catholic Church and in poli- tics is a Democrat.

FAGAN, William G., who owns and operates an excellent farm four miles northwest of Spring- field, Ill., has spent his entire life in Sanga- mon County, where he was born, January 22, 1852. His paternal ancestors were from Ken- tucky, and he is a son of George and Ruth (Smith) Fagan, both natives of Bourbon County, Ky. The parents moved from Kentucky and settled iu Buffalo, Hart Township, Sangamon County, in 1818, at which time the Indians were the only residents there. Mr. Fagan lived four years ou that place, then moved to Spring- field and came to the farm now occupied by his son Wilflam. He and his wife were parents of five sons and three daughters, the only two of these children surviving being William G. and his brother, John F., who lives on Monu- ment Avenue, Springfield, and is engaged in the feed business. The father died on his farm near Springfield.

The childhood of William G. Fagan was spent on a farm aud he attended the early schools of Sangamon County, being for some time a stu- dent of the old Mckinney school. As he grew to manhood he worked on his father's farm, which he has never left since. He is an en- terprising and successful farmer and owns 118 acres of iand, which he has brought to a high state of cultivation. He was married in Spring- field, April 24, 1878, to Miss Anna M. Hunt- ley, who was born in Franklin, N. H., Septem- ber 9, 1858, of English parentage. Her father and mother came to America in 1856, landing in Boston, having spent seven weeks on the sailing vessel, on which they embarked June 1, and arrived July 11, 1856. Mrs. Huntley was a weaver in England and Mr. Huntley for many years followed the trade of shoemaker in Franklin. The family spent eleven years in there a short time, after which they settled- on Franklin, then moved to Quincy, Ill., and lived a farm six miles northwest of Springfield, where the father died two years later, in 1869. Mrs. Huntley lives with her daughter, Mrs. Fagan.

Five sons and one daughter were born to Mr. and Mrs. Fagan, of whom one son died in infancy. The others are: George H., born August 20, 1884; Elmer H., born October 25, 1888; W. Lester, born August 13, 1891; and J. Hally, born December 10, 1894, all living at home; and Ruth, deceased. Mr. Fagan be- longs to Elliott Avenue Baptist Church and is an advocate of Temperance and many other good causes. He votes the Prohibition ticket. He is a member of Capital Tent of Maccabees

and the Anti-Horse Thief Association, and his wife is a member of Douglas M. E. Church at Springfield. He has the full confideuce and esteem of his neighbors and is well acquainted In Sangamon County, where the family was one of the first. They endured the hardships and privations of pioneer life and helped pave the way for a higher civilization. They have always beeu ready to advance the cause of education and have done their share towards promoting the general welfare.

FAIN, William S., one of the prosperous retired farmers of Dawson, Ill., gives the community's interests a fair share of his attention aud is the friend of good government and local im- provements. He was born in Jessamine County, Ky., July 23, 1847, being a son of Martin and Mary (Masters) Fain, both natives of Kentucky. The parents lived and died in Kentucky, where the father was a farmer. He and his wife be- came the parents of ten children, of whom William S. Fain was the eldest, the others be- ing: Henry, of Kentucky; Annie, wife of Richard Faiu, also of Kentucky, and seven who are deceased. The Fain family located in Ken- tucky at an early day, coming from Pennsyl- vania.

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 48

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