Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 75

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913
Publication date: 1912
Publisher: Chicago, Munsell Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 774

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In 1SSO Mr. Hughes married at Springfield, III .. Miss Jane Langfield, born in Ohio, a daugli- ter of George Langfield, a native of England, who came to America and located in tire Buck- eye State, where he farmed during the re- mainder of his life. Mrs. Hannah (Whitehead) Langfield who was also a native of England,

bore her husband three sons and three daugh- ters, of whom the following survive: Mrs. Hughes ; George Langfield, of German Prairie, Sangamon county ; John Langfield, of Spring- fieid, Ili .; and Mrs. Martha (Langfield) Peachey, of Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Hughes have had six children, of whom two, George and Harriet, are deceased. The following are still living : Anna, the eldest, born June 28, 1871, is a member of the household of her parents; Thomas, born in 1873; George, born in 1875; and William, born in 1877-all of whom assist their father in the operation of his farm and in the management of his Riverton property, which consists of his home and other desirable holdings. They are not members of any church, but are liberai in their views.

HUIER, John Henry .- Springfield boasts many features that differentiate it from its sister com- munities of the Commonwealth. One, of course, is the fact that it is the capitai, but there are several others. There is afforded an opportu- nity for business men of tact and judgment to pursue aimost any line of business with a rea- sonabie prospect of success, owing to the many transients who came there prepared to spend inoney, and who want the best of everything. One of the live young business men of the city is John Henry Huier, born sixteen miies sonth of Springfield, August 15, 1876, a son of James and Amanda (Murphy) Huier. James Huier was born in Sangamon County, one-quarter of a miie from the site of his son's birth, and he and his wife were married in the county. He was a farmer, who worked until his death, in 1896. He is survived by his widow, now making her home in Springfield. In politics James Hnier was a Democrat, but never cared for public office. His four children are ali living and, like him, are iiberai in their religious views.

After attending the Oakridge School, J. H. Huier, of this biography, began to earn his own living, in the employ of Frank Sanford & Com- pany, continuing with this firm for seven years, when he embarked in his present enterprise, which he stili carries on. While he supports the candidates and principies of Democracy, Mr. Huier foliows his father's policy in deciining to permit his name to be used on the party ticket. His tendencies in religious matters are towards the fuliest liberty for all, although he admits the good work accomplished by the churches. He is a genial, pleasant young mau, with a large following of warm personal friends, and is deservedly popular with them.

HULBERT, John (deceased) .- The iate John Hulbert. who owned and operated a farm near Springfield, Iil., had been a resident of Sanga- mon County since 1875, and had established hin- self in the friendship and esteem of all who had dealings with him. He was a devont mem- ber of time Presbyterian Church and did his fuii duty in all the relations of life. His loss was deeply mourned, not only by his immediate fam-

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lly and friends, but by the community. He was a native of New Hampshire, born Decem- ber 17, 1847, a son of Stephen and Nancy (Evert) Hulbert, both also born in that State. The parents were farmuers and came to Bureau County, Ill., when their son John was a small boy, remaluing there several years, but theu returned to New Hampshire, where their deaths occurred. They were parents of nine childreu, of whom five are now living.

The education of John Huibert was received in the common schools of Bureau County, Ill., and he worked ou his father's farm as soon as he was physically able. After leaving school he moved to Cass County, Ill., where he worked at farming for ten years, and in 1875 located on a farm near Curran, Sangamon County, where he lived twenty years, then located on the farm where his widow now resides. He was an energetic aud successful farmer and brought his farm to a good state of cultiva- tlon. In politics he was a Republican.

Mr. Hulbert was married in Morgan County, Ill., November 5, 1866, to Ella King, who was born near Nashville, Teun., August 20, 1850, a daughter of John H. and Sarah A. (Chandler) King. Her parents, who were natlves of Ten- nessee, moved to Kansas at an early day, and after remaining there ten years, came to Cass County, Ill., the father being killed by a falling tree in Missouri iu 1866. The mother died in Cass County In 1872. There were six sons and three daughters in the family, all of whom are living. Mr. King was a farmer all his life and was a soldier in the Mexican War. Mrs. Hul- bert's grandfather, Andrew Chandler, was a Captain in the Mexican War aud served uuder General Andrew Jackson.

Ten children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Hul- bert, five daughters and five sons: Stephen, a farmer of Christian County; George, lives with his mother ; Johu E., lives in Springfield ; Oliver, at home; Nettle, wife of George Caldwell, a far- mer living near Springfield; Myrtle, wife of Frank Rudolph of Christian County; Ruby, liv- ing at home; Ora, wife of Edward Miller, of Springfield ; Esther and Lester L., both at home. Mrs. Hulbert owns forty acres of the farm where she now resides. Mr. Hulbert passed away November 7, 1908, and was buried in Oak Ridge Cemetery. The children in this fa- mily all revere the memory of their father and all are respected and esteemed in the commun- ity.

HUMPHREY, Judge J Otis .- Iliinois has al- ways been proud of its lawyers, its. lawmakers and its statesmeu; they have always taken rank with the leaders throughiont the country, and when tried have never been found want- ing. Many of the greatest men in the modern history of the country have come from the Prairie State, and it is safe to say that the present generation can be relied upon to keep mp the high standard. One who has been promi- nently identified with the progress of the Nation

and who has been called upon to fill numerous high offices of honor and trust is Judge J Otis Humphrey, of Springfield. Judge Humphrey was born December 30, 1850, In Morgau County, Ill., a sou of William and Sarah (Stocker) Humphrey, natives of Ohio, who settled in Sangamou County In 1855.

Judge Humphrey is descended from au old and honored English family. His great-grand- father, Maj. Humphrey, won hls title as com- mander of a division of the Fourth Rhode Is- land Regiment during the War of the Revolu- tiou. Later generations of the family came West and the parents of Judge Humphrey set- tled iu Illinois, where William Humphrey died in 1893. J Otis Humphrey was reared on a farm in Auburn Township, Sangamou County, and his early education was secured in the dis- trict schools. Later he attended high school at Virden, Macoupin County, two years, subse- quently spending five years at Shurtliff College, and for two years following he acted in the ca- pacity of teacher. He began the study of iaw with the firm of Robinsou, Knapp & Shutt, and iu 1880, was admitted to the Bar, working that year in the office of the Supervisor of Ceusus, under Hou. John A. Chestuut, for the Eighth District of Illinois. The next two years he was clerk in the offices of the Illinois Railroad and Warehouse Commission, and in Jannary, 1883, he formed a partnership with Hon. H. S. Greene, who was a distinguished attorney of the West, and this association continued until 1899.

Judge Humphrey's activities in polltics began in 1876, under the tutelage of Hon. Shelby M. Cullom, who was during that year elected Gov- ernor of Illinois. Iu 1884 he was a Presiden- tial Elector of the Blaine ticket, and in 1896, was sent as Delegate to the National Conven- tion at St. Louis. He was Chairmau of the Re- publican County Central Committee for four years. On July 1, 1897, he was appointed United States Attorney for the Southeru Dls- trict of Illinois, by President Mckinley, and in 1901, was appointed United States District Judge, in which capacity he is now serving. Judge Humphrey has tried a great number of important suits during the time he has held a seat on the bench. and it is probable that uo man in his capacity in the State, has a better record of unimpeached and unimpeachable de- cisions, or has ever enjoyed more conspicuously, the confidence of the community. Those who come before him for trial have the advantage or disadvantage, as the case may be, of appeal- ing to au expert in the great science of human nature.

In 1879 Judge Humphrey was united in mar- riage with Miss Mary E. Scott, daughter of Rev. A. H. Scott, and to this union there have been born five children : Mary, Maud, Grace, Scott and Ruth. Judge Humphrey is possessed of more than ordinary literary ability, and spec- imens of his work in this line have been seen printed in a nuiuber of publicatious. He is a

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contributor to this publication, his vaiued con- tribution bearing the title of "The Lincoln Me- moriai."

HUMPHREYS, Joseph A. (deceased), came of an old and highly-respected Sangamon County fam- ily. His birth occurred January 2, 1843, on the old home farm, three and one-half miles south- east of Springfield, Alexander Humphreys, his father, being one of Sangamon County's early settlers. He married Nancy R. Whitecroft, in Bath County, Ky. They moved to Springfield, Iil., in 1827, and there one child was born. They later moved to Sugar Creek, and six children were born there. The Humphreys were of Welsh descent. Joseph A. Humphreys had two brothers, Charies and Thomas, who served in the war of the Rebellion. Alexander Humphreys was born November 21, 1800, in Fleming County, Ky., and was a son of Orin and Isabeil (Lee Keith) Humphreys. Mrs. Humphreys was born September 7, 1771, and she and her husband were married in Fleming County, Ky., where their seven children were born, Alexander Humphreys being one of them.

Joseph A. Humphreys was only seven years old when his father moved to Christian County Ill., and there he grew to manhood, receiving a common school education. He remained at home until he married, February 2, 1882, his bride being Miss Ellen Poweli, who died eighteen months later. On January 2, 1889, Mr. Hum- phreys was married to Miss Alice Johnson, of Berry Station, Ill., daughter of Samuel and Louise (Taff) Johnson both deceased. Mrs. Humphreys was born near Berry's Station, San- gamon County, Ili., February 20, 1859, and her father was born near Rochester Sangamon County, September 12, 1830. He was a son of Andrew Johnson, who was born in Dumfries- shire. Scotland, but came to Sangamon County in 1826. Andrew Johnson was a millwright and bullt a mili on the south fork of the Sangamon River. He was married in 1827 to Mrs. Mary (Barker) Williams, and they had three sons, John, Samuel and Andrew. Louisa Taff, mother of Mrs. Humphreys and wife of Samuel John- son, was born near Athens, Menard County, Ill., July 4, 1839, and died February 26. 1884. She was a daughter of William and Theresa Taff. The Taff family were of English descent. but the mother of Mrs. Louisa Johnson was of Ger- man descent. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Humphreys: Owen, who died In in- fancy, and Joseph A., born May 25, 1893, now a student in Upper Aiton Military Academy.

Mr. Humphreys operated his farm, eight miles southwest of Edinburgh, for ten years after his second marrlage, and then moved to Tayior- ville, which continued to be his home for five years. He then went to Colorado Springs for his health, but nine months later returned, lo- cating in Springfield, where he bought a home, and there resided untii his death, November 25, 1910.

Mr. Humphreys was well and favorably known by ali residing in his community, and sustained the reputation for probity and upright living that were so characteristic of the man, where- ever he went. Possessing In marked degree the faculty of making and retaining friends, who loved him deeply, he had a host of them to mourn his death. In the fail of 1904 he became a member of the West Side Christian Church, and in his death this organization lost one of Its most liberai and active workers. Recognizing his worth, soon after his admission into mem- bership of the church, his associates made him a member of the official board, and iater still he became a deacon, holding that office the re- malnder of his life. Deeply interested in all kinds of church work, he was one of the leaders in the congregation. In politics he was a Re- publican, but did not care for office. Mrs. Hum- phreys owns some 434 acres of rich farm land in Christian County.

HUNT, George. (Vol. I, p. 239.)

HUNTER, Al, Assistant Manager of the Cen- tral Co-Operative Coal Company, of Springfield, has had many years' experience in mining af- falrs, having speut his life in the business. Mr. Hunter, who resides at No. 2005 North Elizabeth Street, Springfield, was born at Chatham, Ill., Juiy 12, 1876, a son of Robert and Sarah (Ed- wards) Hunter. Robert Hunter was born in Sangamon County, Iil., in 1853, and has been a miner all his life, now being in the employ of the concern of which his son is Assistant Mana- ger. He married Mary Edwards, who was born in Loami, Ill., forty-nine years ago, and they had a family of seven children, namely: Al, Maggie, James, Bessie, Ciarence, Ruth and Sadie.

Al Hunter attended the public schools of Chat- ham and Auburn, Ill., and in 1899 accompanied his parents to Springfield. He began working in mines when he was only fourteen years old, and his whole life has been spent in the busl- ness. He has held his present position since 1909 and iargely through his efforts the com- pany has increased its volume of business very considerably. Mr. Hunter has a nice home at No. 2005 North Elizabeth Street, in the capital city. His politics are those of the Democratic party, and his fraternal connection is with the Eagles.

In May. 1901, Mr. Hunter was united in mar- riage with Miss Amanda Roe, of Springfield. They have had no children. Mr. and Mrs. Hunter are consistent members of the Seventh Day Adventist Church.

HUNTER, Aibion (deceased) .- The iate Albion Hunter. for many years a resident of Spring- field, Ill., spent his last days In retirement from active life. He belonged to a family that had for many generations iived in the Allegheny Mountains in Pennsylvania. He was born in New Brighton. Beaver County, that State, to which place his parents had removed at their marriage, and where they spent the remainder of their lives. Both parents were born in

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

Greene County, P'a., the father in 1810 and the mother in 1812, and the former died at New Brighton in 1866, while his widow sur- vived him until 1897. They were parents of eight children, four sons and four daugh- ters, namely : Emily, wife of Joseph Mc- Danlels, both deceased; Alblon; Margaret mar- ried Levi Gibson, of New Brighton, Pa., and both are deceased ; Samuel, deceased, formerly of New Brighton; Frank, of New Brighton; El- len, wife of John Brown, of Block House Run, Pa .; Elsie married, John Stuck, both now de- ceased ; and William, of New Brighton, Pa.

The birth of Alhion Hunter occurred May 22, 1838, and his education was acquired in the public schools of his native place. His first em- ployment was in a brick yard there, and in 1875 he came to White Hall, Ill., where he en- gaged in brick-making. Two years later he lo- cated in Springfield, where he was engaged in the manufacture of brick until his retirement from active life in 1905. He built up a good business and won an excellent business reputa- tion. He was highly esteemed as a man of business integrity and stability and had many warm friends there.

September 20, 1857, Mr. Hunter was married in Beaver County, Pa., hy "Squire" James A. Barrett, to Elizabeth, daughter of Samuel and Matilda (Shade) Smith, who was born in Perry County, Pa., August 23, 1833. Her father was born at Carlisle, Cumberland County, Pa., in 1815, and her mother at New Bloomfield, that State, in 1812. Mr. Smith, who was a shoe- maker by trade, removed to Time, Pike County, Ill., in 1876, plied his trade there about two years, when he and his wife located at New Brighton, Pa., where both spent the remainder of their lives, the father passing away In 1907 and the mother, November 11, 1891. They were parents of three sons and four daughters, namely : William, of New England Hill, Pa .; George W., of Wheatland, Mo .; Samuel K., of New Brighton, Pa .; Mary A., widow of Ben- jamln Schlusser; Catherine, wife of Nathan A. Crouch, an undertaker living at New Brighton, Pa .; Rebecca, unmarried and living at New Brighton; Elizabeth, Mrs. Hunter. The three sons served In the Civil War. Mr. Hunter also served in the war as a private in Company B, Fifth Pennsylvania Volunteer Heavy Artillery, enlisting August 20, 1864, at the age of twenty- six years. He was mustered out at the close of his term of service, being finally discharged at Washington, D. C., June 30, 1865.

Four children were born to Mr. Hunter and wife, two sons and two daughters: Fraser, born September 1, 1858, died December 3. 1903; Clara, born Octoher 9, 1860, wife of Christopher Francis, of Ridgely, Ill .; Anna, born November 16. 1862, wife of Alexander Farnsworth, a printer living In Springfield; Byron died Sep- tember 20, 1866. There were nine grandchil- dren in the family, of whom five are living, and there are three great-grandchildren. Both Mrs. Hunter and her husband belong to old Penn-

sylvanla families. Mr. Hunter was a Demno- crat in politics, His death occurred at his home In Springfield March 15, 1907, and was deeply deplored by his many friends.

HUNTER, George W. (deceased) .- In the death of George W. Hunter, a pioneer stockman and successful farmer, Sangamon County lost one of Its most useful and highly respected citizens. He was a native of the county, born in Auburn Township, May 9, 1860, son of James Hunter and wife (the maiden name of the latter being Lay- son), both of whom died when their son George was but six years old. He was one of six chil- dren, four sons and two daughters, the others being : John, who died in Dakota; William, of Moscow, Idaho; Douglas, died in Moscow, Ida- ho, leaving a widow and two children-Mamie and Willlam; Margaret, married Alfred Camp- bell, and both died leaving four children-Ma- mie, Minnie, Edward and Earl; Rebecca, mar- ried (first) James Campbell, by whom she had two children-Etta and Fred, her second hus- band being John Henry, of Jacksonville, Ill., by whom she had one child-Earl.

After the death of his parents, George W. Hunter went to live with his uncle, Wesley Hunter, at Jerseyville, Ill., where he remained until he was twelve years old, but in this time had never attended school. He then went to live with his sister, Rebecca Ann Campbell, then living in Talkington Township, and being an ambitious lad, began to attend the district school near by and apply himself diligently to his studies, in which he was assisted by his kind and patient sister. In this way he was able to make rapid progrèss, and by studying often until midnight, he was able, by the time he was sixteen years of age, to obtain a teach- er's certificate, and began teaching In the Wilson District School in Auburn Township. For five or six years he continued in this profession with excellent success, then turned his atten- tlon to farming and stock-raising. He became a breeder of the best grade of horses, cattle, hogs and sheep, and spent a useful, busy life, being a kind neighbor and true friend, always ready to help those in need or distress, and was most highly estcemed in all relations of life. He was of a noble and upright character, and was prominent in social and political circles. He was an ardent supporter of the principles and representatives of the Democratic party and was active in party councils. He served as Supervisor of his township and also in other offices.

Mr. Hunter was marrled, November 3, 1SS0, to miss Rachel C. Campbell, born in Chatham · Township, Sangamon County, March 5, 1857, a daughter of Peter Campbell, one of the most prominent and extensive farmers of the south- ern part of Sangamon County, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work. Mr. Hunter and his wife settled on the farm where she now resides, in Section 1S, Chatham Township, occupying a small three-room frame building

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then standing on It. He continued teaching for a time, then gave his whole attention to the clear- ing and improving of his land, which was mostly uncultivated. He had accomplished a great deal at the time of his death in the way of de- veloping and improving his farm, and had erected the handsome residence still standing there.

In 18SS Mr. Hunter and his wife weut west to visit his brother aud sister, and while ou the trip Mr. Hinter was taken ill, finally dying at Chehalis, Wash., of typhoid fever, November 3, 1SSS. His remains were brought back to Il- iinois and buried In the cemetery at Chatham, after which Mrs. Hunter returned to the home farm which she carried on, hiring the work done until her sons were old enongh to take charge of it. The children born to her and her hns- band were: John W. and Walter, twins, born September 3, 1881. the former a farmer living on Section 6, Chatham Township, whose sketch appears elsewhere In this work, the latter dy- ing February 17, 1882; Peter J., born April 24, 1884; a sketch of whom also appears in this work ; Charles A., born May 26, 1886, in charge of the home farm; William D., born July 10, 1889, a farmer on Sectlou 12, Loami Township. The sons of Mrs. Hunter all did their share in carrying on the home farm, and now all except one have settled on farms of their own near the old home, having been provided with land by their mother. There are abont 400 acres in the home place, and Mrs. Hunter owns in all about 1500 acres. At one time she owned 1900 acres in Chatham Township besldes timber land in Louisiana. Mrs. Hunter Is revered and loved by all who know her, and has followed the example of her husband in taking an interest In all around her. She is a devout member of the Christian Church, while her husband belonged to thie Methodist Church. She is a woman of strong will and high character and has reared her children to honorable manhood. Charles A. Hunter is one of the prominent stock-breeders of his community and has been successful in his farming operations. He makes a specialty of raising full-blooded Hereford and Polled- Angus cattle.

HUNTER, Hugh .- While the soil of Sangamon Connty is very fertlle, water plentiful and easily obtained, and weather conditions practically ideal, good crops cannot be raised unless the land Is properly worked and scientifically condi- tloned, and the high standard set by agricultnr- ists of this section is, therefore, of great credit to them. Hugh Hunter, a well known farmer of Sangamon County, who is carrying on operations on Section 25, Illiopolls Township, was born in Christian Connty, Ill., October 1, 1841, a son of John and Martha (Dickinson) Hunter.

John Hunter was born August S. 1811, in Gallatin Connty, Ky., and came with his father, James Hunter, to Christlan County, Ill .. at an early date the grandfather having entered land there from the Government. John Hunter mar-

ried Martha Dickinson who was born Septem- ber 25, 1811, and they continned to farm In Christian Connty all their lives, Mr. Hunter's death occurring there December 22, 1856. To Mr. and Mrs. Hunter there were born the fol- lowing children : Ilugh; Scott, born September 28, 1852, who now conducts a meat market lu Illiopolis ; Sarah Ellzabeth, the widow of Thomas Sledener, residing with her son In Springfield; Rachel F., born February 9, 1843, married James Lee, and both are now deceased; Harrlet A., who dled In infancy ; and . Thomas L., born Sep- tember 18, 1847, now deceased.

Hugh Hunter was educated in the conntry schools of Christian County, and worked for hls father ou the home farm until the latter's death. Ou July 19, 1861, at Decatur, Ill., he enlisted in Company I, Forty-first Regular Illinols Volun- teer Infantry, under the command of Col. I. C. Pugh, of Decatur, and with this regiment served three years, receiving his honorable discharge August 20, 1864, at Camp Butler. Although uever wounded in battle, captured by the enemy or confined to the hospital, Mr. Hunter saw mnch hard fighting, and that he was able to be at all times with hls regiment proved his worth as a hardy, brave and earnest soldier, and one at all times ready to do his full duty to hls country. His regiment participated In snch notable engagements as Forts Henry and Donel- son, Shiloh, Corinth, Hatchie River, Coldwater, Vicksburg, Jackson and Atlanta, and it was at the last-named place that he received hls dis- charge. After completing his army service Mr. Hunter returned to Illiopolis where for about five years he was engaged in teaming and then removed to his present farm in Illiopolls Town- ship, where he has since been engaged in culti- vating the soil. He has a snug little farm of fifteen acres, in a high state of cultivation, and has kept it in good condition, well-fenced and with good buildings. One of Mr. Hunter's most pleasant recollections Is his personal acquaint- ance with Abraham Lincoln.

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 75

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