Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 58

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 58

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after which he started farming ou his own ac- connt and so contluned until 1890, when he re- tired and moved to Pawnee, where he was re- siding at the time of his death, January 16, 1910. His widow survives him and makes her home with her daughter in Pawnee. Mr. Galyen was one of the prominent men ot Pawnee Town- ship and was active in publie matters, being one of the first members of the Township High School Board of Education, and served as Jus- tlce of the Peace and Assessor, for many years. He was a Democrat in his political affairs and his religious belief was that of the Baptist Church.

George E. Galyen was educated in the public schools of Pawnee and lived at home until nine- teen years of age. Until he was seventeen he engaged in farming, but at that time started to learn the trade of barber, at which he worked for two years. He was married in July, 1893, and went to Springfield, where he remained until winter, then came to Pawnee and opened tousorial parlors of his own, con- ducting them with much success tor ten years. In April, 1903, he sold out and went on the road, selling groceries for the E. C. Harley Grocery Company, ot Dayton, Ohio. Several months later he became a clerk in a store in Pawnee, but two years afterward engaged in the real estate and insurance business, in which he has been eugaged to the present time, also being identified with Twist Brothers Grain Company.

Mr. Galyeu has always beeu a Democrat, and is strictly a Local Optionist, on which ticket he has been elected to fill various positions of honor and trust. He is uow President of the Village Board, Township Treasurer and Vice-president of the Law and Order League. His fraternal connections are with the Masonic Lodge, of which he is Secretary, the Order of the Eastern Star and the Modern Woodmen of America. Religionsly he is connected with the Presby- terian Church. In every walk of life Mr. Galyen has shown himself to be a man in whom the utmost confidence can be placed.

In Springfield, Ill., July 26, 1893, Mr. Galyen was married to Catalena Higgins, who was born December 10, 1873, in Sangamon County, daughter of Robert and Lydia (Stare) Higgins, the former born November 22, 1836, aud died December 6, 1893, and the latter born June 14, 1838, and died March 21, 1910. To Mr. and Mrs. Galyen there have been born two chil- dren : Ozeima, born in Pawuee in 1893, died in infancy ; and Leroy F., born in Pawnee, March 25, 1895, is now ready for high school.

GAMBLE, Ezra, a retired carpenter living at Buffalo, Mechanicsburg Township, Sangamon County, was born in Franklin County, Pa., May 15, 1830, and is a son of Morrell R. and Hannah (Fiison) Gamble, natives of Pennsylvania. The parents were farmers and spent their entire iives in Pennsylvania, the father dying at the age of forty-four years, and the mother also dylng yonng. The Gamble family came originaliy from

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

Scotland and the Filson family from Ireland. Morrell R. Gamble and his wife had seven chil- dren, of whom five were sons, and Ezra is the ouly surviving member.

Mr. Gamble was educated in his native county and during his boyhood worked on his father's farm until eighteen years of age, then began learning the trade of carpenter, which he fol- lowed in Pennsylvania for some years. He came West May 15, 1857, and lived for a time in Scott County, Ill. Two years later he moved to Sangamon County, and has since resided in Buffalo. Since coming to the village he has fol- lowed contracting in the vicinity, and iu this connection has erected many residences, and has been successful financially. He has made a large number of friends during the many years he has lived at his present location and is con- sidered a representative, useful citizen.

Mr. Gamble was married in Buffalo, January 7, 1861, to Mary Elizabeth Vlerbome, who was born in Butler County, Ohio. Her parents came to Sangamon County, Ohio, at an early day and located on a farm. Mrs. Vlerbome died in San- gamon County and her husband returned East and died in New Jersey. Mr. and Mrs. Vler- bome had five sons and four daughters. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Gamble, of whom two survive : Jennie E., widow of Wil- liam T. Hall, of Buffalo, and Anna, who lives at home. Mrs. Hall has two children, Lela E., with her mother, and Hazel, wife of Ernest Fullenwider, residing in Springfield. Mr. Gam- ble is a member of the Methodist Church and a member of its Board of Directors. In politics he is a Republican.

GARDNER, William P., a general farmer and stock raiser on Section 17, Gardner Township, was born in the house, now his home, June 13, 1854, son of John Gardner for whom the town- ship was named. The latter was one of the commissioners engaged iu dividing the county iuto townships, and was thus honored. He was born June 21, 1805, in Trimble County, Ky., and grew to mauhood. There he married Mary C. Duncan, born March 27, 1810. The Gardner family is of English extraction the founders of the family in America first settling in Virginia. The Duncans are of Scotch origin. The mother of Mrs. Gardner died when she was only six weeks old, and she was reared by an uncle, Wil- liam Prior. After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. John Gardner remained in their old home until 1833, when they came to Sangamon County, and in January of the following year, settled in what is uow Gardner Towuship, building a one- room house, at what was Hickory Point, on Prairie Creek. From time to time they en- larged their primitive house uutil it was one of the best in the township. Their nine chil- dren were as follows: Hiram E., born April 28, 1831, in Franklin County, Ky., died in August, 1903, vice-president of the Farmers National Bank of Springfield; Sarah A. born October 15, 1833, in Sangamon County, died August 12,

1908; Nannie C., boru September 12, 1835, died April 10 1857 and is buried on the home place; John P., boru July 5, 1839; Cranmer, born in 1841, died Aug. 3, 1843; James, born March 27, 1844, at Clarksville, Texas; Mary E. Gardner, born April 3, 1847, married John S. Berry, two children died in March 1887; Lucy M., born June 19, 1851, married W. T. Hurt; and W. P., of whom we write. .

John Gardner was one of the representative men of the county, and one who was fitted for rounding out a pioneer community. He and Pater Cartwright were fast friends, and often worked together in effecting public changes. He was a strong Democrat, and was often re- turned to the Board of Commissioners. A de- vout Baptist, he was active in Church work, and lived out iu his life the religious doctrines he believed. Charitable, broadminded, he never failed to give liberally of means and sympathy, and was affectionately called "Uncle John" by those who knew and loved him. His death oc- curred February 11, 1868, and at the time he was the owner of 3,000 acres of excellent farm land. His widow survived him until March, 1882. She was reared iu the Methodist faith, but after coming here, she and her husband joined the Christian Church. These two ex- cellent people reared up their children in the fear of the Lord, aud those who came within their home were expected to live according to their standards. Of these perhaps the most noted is Judge McGuire, who affectionately re- members their kindness to him during the sev- eral years he lived with them.

William P. Gardner attended district and Springfield high school, but when sixteen years old, left school as he was the only one of the sons then at home with his mother, she having . been left a widow two years before. The lad shouldered the heavy responsibilities until she died in 1882. On September 24, 1879, he was married to Mary R. Harrison, born December 20, 1853, daughter of Simeon and Mary (Ren- shaw) Harrisou, the ceremony being performed by Rev. Peck. Mrs. Harrison is living with Mrs. Gardner. Two of the Harrison sisters have married brothers. Mr. and Mrs. Gardner became the parents of three children: William R .. born January 13, 1883, married Mamie Fu- gate, on June 22. 1905, issue Mary P. born Sep- tember 4, 1906, and Harriet R. born May 6, 1909 ; Lee D., born August 20, 1884, married Nina Moberly of Chicago, and is now employed by the Stock Yard National Bank at Kansas City, Mo .; Hiram E., born September 30, 1889, living at home. The eldest son is operating the old farm. The children have been given a good education, and assisted in their settlement in life.

For fifty-seven years, Mr. Gardner has lived in the township bearing the same name as his own, and is one of its most representative men. Many are the township offices he has filled with ability, including a seven years' occupancy of the assessorship. He is a member of the Christian Church, and his wife of the Methodist

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

Church, and he has contributed liberally to- wards both. Fraternally, he belongs to Camp No. 114, M. W. A., and each one of his sons are also members, while he and his wife are mem- bers of Royal Camp, No. 431, Neighbors, and Springfield Council No. 136 Yoemen of America. The Democratic party owes much to his sup- port, for not only has he represented it in of- fice, but for years was Committeeman for the County. He and his family occupy a very high place in the esteem of the neighborhood, and they deserve this distinction, everyone having won it by honest, upright llving and kindly open-handed charity.

Mr. Gardner was present at the corner stone laying of the State House, being on Gen. Mc- Clernand's staff, at the laying of the corner- stone of the first building ou the State Fair Ground.

GARMAN, William (deceased), was born In Carroll County, Tenn., September 14, 1849, and was a son of James and Ruth Dorothy Garman, both natives of the same county. James C. Gar- man brought his family to Brown Couuty, Ill., when his son William was a small boy, and lo- cated on a farm. William Garman was reared on a farm In Brown Connty aud there recelved hls education. He then engaged with his fa- ther in mining operations and in later life acted as manager for several different coal mines.

Mr. Garman was an excellent business man and carried on his business affairs in an able manner, becoming successful In whatever he un- dertook. He was honest and upright in all his dealings and was universally esteemed. He never cared for public office, though he was a stanch Republican all his life. As a boy he and his mother attended a campaign rally iu Springfield and heard Abraham Lincoln speak. While living In Pleasant Plains, Ill., he joined the Christian Church, and also belonged to the Odd Fellows Lodge No. 770, of that city. He was well known In mining circles in central Illinols and was popular among his associates.

Mr. Garman was married in Rushville, Schuyler County, Ill., to Miss Flora Addison, daughter of Matthew and Rhoda (Workman) Addison, who lived on a farm near Beards- town, Ill. Two children were born of this unlon : Winona Bell, unmarried and living with her mother, Mrs. Nellie Lettarst, wife of Charles Lettarst, who is a mine operator liv- Ing In Springfield, has one sou, Charles, born in August 22, 1907. Mr. Garman died December 6, 1905, and Is bnrled in Oak Ridge Cemetery. Mrs. Garman owns her present comfortable home at 149 North Lincoln Avenne, Springfield.

Mrs. Garman's father, Matthew Addison, came to Illinois as a young man, from Pennsylvania, and located on a farm in Schnyler County, where the remainder of his life was spent. He became a prominent man in his community. He died in 1865 and his wife died when Mrs. Gar- man was only two years of age. Mrs. Garman attends the Christian Church in Springfield.

GARNER, Thomas G., a prosperous and well- known farmer of Section 29, Fancy Creek Town- ship, has lived on his present farm about thirty- five years. He was born in Williams Town- ship, Sangamon County, April 27, 1866, and is a son of Anderson S. and Ellzabeth ( White- foot) Garner, the former born in Tennessee and the latter in Washington County, Md. The father, who was a farmer by occupation, came to Illinois In the early fifties and settled In Wil- llams Township, purchasing a farm near Sher- man. Some years later he removed to a farm a half-mile south of the farm where his son Thomas now lives, lived there six years and in 1876 bought the farm now owned by the son, where he erected the log house which is still standing, one of the few of its kind now in ex- istence in Sangamon County. He died there in 1877. He and his wife were marrled in 1863 and became parents of three children: Thomas, subject of this sketch; Mary J. died in 1891; Rhoda M., living with her brother. Elizabeth Garuer came to Sangamon County In an early day, and her father, who was a native of Mary- land, dled there. Her death occurred in 1904.

The education of Thomas G. Garner was ac- quired In his native county and he early began to help his father with the farm work. He has lived on the home farm since 1876, inheriting it at the death of his parents, and owns forty acres of good farm land. He Is an enterprising and energetic farmer and his efforts have been rewarded by success in a gratifying degree. The parents were members of the United Brethren Church, and he now belongs to the Methodist Church.

Mr. Garner was married in Sangamon Coun- ty, February 8, 1900, to Minnie B. Keeth, born in Ohlo, Angust 22, 1869, and brought to Sanga- mon County at the age of one year. Her father, John Keeth, was born In Maryland, emi- grated thence to Pennsylvania, where he lived several years, then removed to Ohio and car- ried on farming for some time, coming to San- gamon Connty In the 'seventies, and settling on a farm near Sherman, where he and his wife still reside. He served four years as a soldier in the Civil War. He and his wife had one son and four daughters and one daughter is deceased, the others being : Samuel ; Mrs. Eliza- beth Slaughter, of Maysville, Mo .; Benjamin, living with his father near Sherman; Mrs. Garner. Two children have blessed the nnion of Mr. and Mrs. Garner, one who died in infancy, and Thomas N. Mr. Garner is an intelligent, nsefnl citizen and actively interested in the public welfare, being ready to support any worthy cause.

GARREN, John W .- Probably no section of Illinols responds more generously to the care ex- pended upon it than Sangamon County, and one of the farmers who has proven this through long, prosperous years, is John W. Garren, of Section 12, Cooper Township. He was born in . Indiana, April 9, 1847, a son of Andrew and

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

Mary E. (Foutz) Garren, natives of Indiana. They were farming people who came to the southern part of the State in 1848. There the father engaged in farming, in the vicinity of Centralia, but later weut to Macon County, aud, after spending a year there, to Marion County. There he lived, engaged in farming, until his death, in 1891. The mother died in 1873. There were five sons and four daughters in the family, of whom the following survive: Theodore and Charles arc farmers of Cooper Township; Scott is a farmer of Marion County ; Mrs. Julia Mal- com. Mrs. Elizabeth Markam and Mrs. Adaline Garren, live in Marion County ; and John.

John W. Garren was educated in Mariou County, Ill., and spent his boyhood in helping on the farm. In 186S he came to Sangamon County, settling in Cooper Township, where he hought thirty-five acres of land. This is in a good state of cultivation. The maternal great-grand- father, Jesse Snapp, was a soldier during the American Revolution, serving under General Washington, and was wounded in the battle of the Brandywine.

On November 9, 1868, Mr. Garren was mar- ried in Jefferson County. Ill., to Martha J. Tate, born in Tennessee, June 4. 1844. daughter of John W. and Priscilla (Snapp) Tate, natives of South Carolina, and Randolph County, N. C. Later the father moved to Tennessee, where he lived until his death, in 1857. His widow survived him until 1866. There were ten chil- dren in the family, and of them Mrs. Garren is the survivor. Mr. and Mrs. Garren have no children, but have an adopted daughter, Fern Barbre, whom they are rearing as their own.

Mr. Garren belongs to Union Chapel of the Methodist Church. contributing liberally to- wards its support. In political faith he is a Democrat. Both he and his wife are much be- loved among their neiglibors, for they are good, honest, kindly people, whose charity and Chris- tianity are put to every-day use.

GARVEY, J. Walter, who owns one of the finest herds of Holstein cattle in the State of Illinois, is a whole-souled, kindly man and a prominent citizen of Auburn Township. He is a native of the county, born at Mechanicsburg November 7. 1877, son of Johu Garvey, who is one of the leading farmers of the vicinity of that village. J. W. Garvey spent his early life on his father's farm. and attended the district school until about eighteen years of age, then went to Eureka College, where he took a special business course, which he finished in 1898. after which he returned to the home farm and took charge of 240 acres of same, beginning iife on his own account. He began breeding pure- blood Poland-China hogs and became very sue- cessful in this line, making a creditable show- ing at the State Fair. 1905. winning a cham- pionship with "American Special." In 1904. he won a First and Grand Champion at the Mis- souri State Fair and one year later, won first prize at the Illinois State Fair with "Lucky"

Charm." The following year he won first prize at Columbus, Ohio. He has been one of the leading breeders of those hogs in central Illi- nois, and although still comparatively a young man, has won remarkable success. He has ex- hibited in Missouri, Ohio, Iliiuois and other States with excellent results, and in December, 1905, he took possession of a farm on Sectiou 29, Auburn Township.

Mr. Garvey has 160 acres of land in his farm and has made many improvements. He has a comfortable home and good outbuiidings, and his buildings for housing his cattle and hogs are among the best in the township. He began paying special attention to breeding fine Hol- stein cattle in 1907, and in the interests of this industry visited Indiana, Ohio and New York, where he selected his stock. He purchased Pontiac Jewel Butter Boy, at the head of his herd, one of the best animals in the State, a native of Utica, N. Y., and bred by W. A. Matheson, one of the best judges of cattle in that State. Mr. Garvey purchased other ani- mals for his herd from C. F. IIunt of Syracuse, taking seven of the best eows in his herd ; pur- chased two eows from T. H. Russell of Ohio; and three head from John Sugart, of Marion, Ind. Mr. Garvey started his herd with this strain and now has a herd of 70. He has had buyers from several - States and has won many prizes on his eattle. He has had a return of 32.7 pounds of butter in seven days from one cow, Molly. He has a dairy 60x100 feet, with the latest equipment and appliances, and has provided the most sanitary conditions in every respect. Although he has not had the advantage of a university education he is well versed in matters pertaining to the management of a dairy, and his opinions are often sought by the faculty of the State universities. He has writ- ten many articles on this subject and also on the subject of the proper selection of a dairy herd. Mr. Garvey has devoted his active life to agricultural pursuits aud his success is the result of his most eareful study of every detail of his business.

Mr. Garvey was married October 10, 1900. to Miss Florence May Moore, who was born iu Waverly, Ohio, October 18, 1881, and came to Sangamon County with her parents in 1883. She is a daughter of M. K. Moore, a prominent eitizen of Springfield, residing at. 835 South Park Avenue. Mr. Moore dates his ancestry back to the royal families of Germany through his mother. Mr. Garvey and his wife have two children, Florence Irene, born July 30, 1903, and Frances Mildred, September 26, 1904.

Mrs. Garvey is an educated and cultured woman and is a graduate of Williamsville High School and of the Bettie Stuart Institute, of Springfield. She formerly won many medals in oratorical coutests while attending school. She has social gifts as well, and is popular among her many friends. She is an active mem- ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church, while her husband belongs to the Christian Church.

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Fraternity he belongs to the Masonic Lodge at Virden and to the Knights of Pythias, of Springfield. Politically he Republican. He is a representative of the class of enterpris- ing young American citizens interested in the public welfare and ready to advance auy worthy cause. He takes a leading part in the councils of his party but has never had political aspir- ations of his own. He has the fullest respect of all who kuow him and is a Christian man and a gentleman in the fullest sense.

GARVEY, Patrick (deceased), who for some years prior to his death lived retired from ac- tive pursuits in Springfield, Ill., was a useful, upright citizen, who had the esteeni and good will of all who kuew him. He was a native of County Mayo, Irelaud, born in March, 1852, son of John and Mary (Ratchford) Garvey, both also born in County Mayo, where their eutire lives were spent, aud the father was a farmer.

The boyhood of Patrick Garvey was spent ou his father's farm aud he was educated in the country schools of his native place. He lived with his parents until reaching his majority, then, believing he could better his conditiou by leaving his native soil, sailed for America in 1873, locating in Saugamon County, Ill., where he became a successful farmer. He was ener- getic and ambitious and was able to retire from active life a few years before his death. He was a member of the Roman Catholic Church ,and fraternally belonged to the Western Cath- olic Union. He was a firm Republican in poli- tics, although taking no very active part iu pub- lic affairs, being absorbed in his fariuing. He was a man of cheerful disposition, a kind friend, neighbor and husband, and won many warm friends.

Mr. Garvey was married at Bloomington, Ill., February 13, 1876, to Miss Annie O'Brien, born in County Mayo, Ireland, daughter of Thomas and Mary (Welsh) O'Brien, both also natives of that county. Children were born of this union as follows: John, au electrician in the employ of Rachford Brothers, of Springfield, is unmarried and lives with his mother ; Mary, a

dressmaker, unmarried, and living at home ; Joseph, connected with a ranch, lives in Califor- nia and is unmarried ; Anna married Frank Maley, a business man of Springfield, and they have no children. Mr. Garvey passed away at his home, which is now owned by his widow, at 118 North Fourteenth Street, iu 1905, and was buried in Calvary Cemetery.

Mrs. Garey is a member of the Immaculate Conception Roman-Catholic Church.

GATHARD, Malon .- Many of the most substan- tial men of Sangamon County are now living retired from farming activities in one or other of the towns which surround Springfield. There they find cougenial surroundings and pleasant frieuds, among whom to spend their declining years. A representative of this class is Malon Gathard, of Riverton. He was born

iu Hamilton County, Ohio, May 27, 1836, a son of William and Matilda (Hogan) Gathard, both natives of New Jersey. At an early day these parents came from New Jersey to Ohio, farming there until 1848, when with their two sons, Malon and Elijah, they came to Illinois, locating in Round Prairie, Sangamon County. They farmed there for twelve years, then moved to Springfield where they spent four years. They then settled on a farm in Fork Prairie, which continued their home until death claimed them, the father dying in 1871 and the mother in 1881, both being over eighty years of age. There were eight sons and two daughters in the family, those surviving being: William, of Germantown, Ind .; Elijah, of Fork Prairie, and Malon.

Mr. Gathard was educated in the country schools of Sangamon County, working during boyhood for his father on the home farm. After the war broke out, he enlisted at Camp Butler in Company B, Sixty-eighth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, under Colonel Stuart, serving for three months, when he was discharged, and re- enlisted in Company E, One Hundred and Thirty-third Illinois Volunteer Infantry, from which he was discharged after a service of one hundred days, and mustered out at Camp Butler. After the war was over he resumed farming, lived at Round Prairie for several years, then moved to Riverton, where for fifteen years he was in the employ of the Clear Lake Ice Company. Since 1892 he has been living retired in Rivertou. He is a member of River- ton Post, G. A. R. His religious affiliations are with the Christian Church, of which he is a member, but his wife belongs to the Methodist Church.

Mr. Gathard was married in Rochester, Ill., December 21, 1865, to Amanda Lawyer, born in Round Prairie, November 12, 1848, a daughter of Hiram Lawyer, who was born in Ohio but his wife was a native of Round Prairie, her maiden name being Nancy Trotter. Mr. Lawyer came to Illinois at au early day, locating at Round Prairie, where he farmed until his death, passing away April 13, 1891, his wife preceding him, dying March 25, 1884. There were four sons and five daughters in the Law- yer family, those surviving being : Mrs. Gathard ; Eliza, wife of James Burch, of River- ton ; William, a farmer south of Riverton, and Eva, wife of William Beck, of Springfield. Mr. and Mrs. Gathard became the parents of eight children, six daughters and two sons, six of whom survive: Emma, wife of James Moore, a farmer near Springfield; Archie, of Middle- town, Ill .; Matilda, wife of Henry Hulett, of Riverton; Eva, wife of Robert Rubly, of Springfield; Ada, wife of Manuel Raylotts, of Riverton, and Jessie. of Riverton. There are twenty-nine grandchildren and one great-grand- child in the family.

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 58

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