Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 80

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 80

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Mr. Johnson has been one of the best known stockmen in Sangamon and Christian counties, and Southern Illinois, having been in that business for thirty years, beginning when this was all grazing land, and only one railroad, the Wabash, which ran on wagon tires. He has used wood mold board plows with which he cultivated his fields. Mr. Johnson enjoyed a stanch friendship with President Lincoln, and his first vote was cast for him. He was always a Republican and has always taken an active part in politics. While Mr. Johuson is a mem- ber of the Methodist Church, he has many friends in all denominations. Perhaps one of his most marked characteristics is his loyalty which is manifested in his citizenship, and in all his social relations as well as his home life. In his family, he is generous, kind and loving, manifesting all the attributes of a devoted hus- band and father. He has a charming personal- ity, and enjoys the highest respect of his fellow men.

JOHNSON, James P .- The change in land values in Illinois during the past thirty or forty years has been remarkable; the discovery of coal and oil have not only done their share to-

wards sending up the prices, but have attracted vast industries from other parts of the country ; cager to secure suitable locations for their plants and factories. None have been in a better po- sition to note these changes than those who have dealt in real estate during this period, and one who has watched the values rise year by year, for over a third of a century, is James I'. Johnson, of No. 323 South Spring Street, Springfield, who has been a resident of the Capital City for over twenty years. He was born at Athens, Athens County, Ohio, June 30, 1844, a son of Henry M. and Margaret (Camp- bell) Johnson, a grandsou of Andrew John- son.

Henry M. Johnson was a native of Ohio, a tailor by occupation, and in politics first a Whig and later an ardent Republican. In 1849, com- ing to Illinois with a team and bringing his family, he had reached a point in Jersey Couu- ty, when his horses iu some manner got away and found their way back to the old home in Ohio, They were promptly returned by an uncle, who rode horseback the entire journey for that purpose. Mr. Johnson located at Jersey- ville and worked at his trade some years, but later removed to Virden, where he lived until 1904 and then went to live with a daughter, Mrs. Wyatt, where his death occurred in 1908, when eighty-seven years old. Mrs. Johnson passed away in Virden in 1883, when forty- eight years old. They were the parents of five children, namely : James P .; John, Samuel and William, all deceased; Ada, deceased; and Maggie, Mrs. Charles E. Wyatt, of Springfield. Samuel was a scout with Gen. Crook.

James P. Johnson was five years old when the family came from Ohio, and his education was secured in the schools of Jerseyville, Ill. When seventeen years of age he accompanied his par- ents to Virden, and in August, 1862, when not quite eighteen years of age, enlisted for three years as a private of Company H, Que Hundred and Twenty-second Regiment, Illinois Volunteer Infautry, Second Division, Second Brigade, Six- teenth Army Corps, and with this company took part in numerous battles, marches and skirmishes. At Trenton, Tenn., he was cap- tured by guerillas and was about to be hanged- indeed the noose had already been thrown around his neck-when the timely arrival of Union troops allowed him to escape, but only for a time, for while making his way back to his command he was again captured, this time hy General Forest, and was taken to Parker's Cross Roads. After the battle at this point he was paroled and sent to Benton Barracks, and when orders came to exchange all prisoners he was sent back to his regiment. then stationed at Corinth. Miss. He next participated in the battle of Paducah and at Nashville, and finally in the last battle of the war. at Mobile. Mr. Jolson, who was the second tallest man in his company, had a war record that was sec- ond to uone and his honorable discharge took place at Mobile on August 10, 1865. On his

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return to Illinois he engaged in farming for a time and then established himself in the real estate business in Macomb County, whence he came to Springfield in 1890. He owns several valuable pieces of property, including a farm of forty-one acres located near Chatham Square, and he has engineered some of the largest deals in real estate that have taken place here dur- ing the last two decades.

Mr. Johnson was married in February, 1866, to Miss Catherine Lumsden, a member of an old pioneer family of Virden, and a daughter of James Lumsden, of Scotch nativity, and Mary (Utt) Lumsden, whose brother, John Utt, sank the first coal shaft in Macoupin County. To Mr. and Mrs. Johnson there were born three ehildren : Carrie, who inarried Horace Brooks; Bert, who is engaged in farming; and Myra, who died at the age of sixteen years. The son is a member of the Masons and the Odd Fel- lows. Mr. Johnson is a member of the First Methodist Episcopal Church, and in politics is a Republican. In addition to being a popular comrade of Stephenson Post No. 30, Grand Army of the Republic, he is connected with the Woodmen.

JOHNSON, John, a miner living at 1213 Ledlie Avenue, Springfield, is a representative and public-spirited citizen, and has lived in his present home, which he owns, for the past 38 years. He was born in County Westmeath, Ire- land, January 14, 1836, and is a son of Michael and Julia (Coffey) Johnson, both natives of the same county. He received his education in the country schools near Dublin and afterwards worked on a farm. The parents spent their entire lives in Ireland. They had three sons and two daughters, all of whom are deceased except the subject of this sketch. One brother served in the Fourteenth English Regiment in the War with Russia, and was killed in service.

As a young man John Johnson worked on a railroad near Dublin, and in 1862 came to America, landing in Portland, Me. He at once came West, stopping a short time in Chicago, then came on to Springfield. He lived two years at Riverton, Ill., worked one year as a wood-chopper in Macoupin County, in 1865 moved to Oakland. Christian County, where he spent a short time on a farm. He then went to Louisiana and began working on a boat that ran from St. Louis to Lake Providence, remain- ing there until 1867. when he returned to Springfield and began working on the reservoir, which stands in the northeast part of the city. Ile spent a short time farming, was engaged in mining fifteen years, in teaming another fifteen years, then returned to mining and has followed this occupation since. Mr. Johnson has always been of honest, industrious habits and charac- ter. and has the confidence and esteem of all with whom he has had dealings. He is a mem- ber of St. Joseph's Parish. Roman Catholic Church, and in politics is a Democrat. He was a member of the old Volunteer Fire Depart-

ment. During his residence in the city he has witnessed many changes and has watched the city expand and improve.

Mr. Johnson was married, in Springfield, January 13, 1873, to Miss Helen Rourke, who was born in County Westmeath, Ireland, in 1844. Mr. and Mrs. Rourke had one son and five daughters, all of whom are dead except Mrs. Johnson. Two sons and two daughters were born to Mr. Johnson and his wife, namely : a son and a daughter deceased; Anna L., a proofreader for the "Illinois State Register," and John J., both living at home.

JOHNSON, Niels R .- Few, if any, men who come from Denmark fail in their undertakings. There seems to be something in the very fiber of these hardy sons of the North that makes failure impossible. They never shrink from work, no matter how hard it may be, and com- bined with their industry is the faculty of sav- ing. Once they have the money they know how to invest it so as to gain a good return, and gradually they become wealthy, while others who appear to have had the same ehanees drop out of the race. One of these prosperous men of Danish birth is Niels R. Johnson, a farmer of Springfield Township, Sangamon County. He was born September 29, 1858, a son of John and Christina (Hanson) Johnson, farming people. In 1881 John Johnson brought his family to America, following Niels, who had come in 1879. The father settled in northern Iowa, where he farmed until 1907, when he came to Springfield, which continues to be his home. His wife died May 30, 1907. There were two sons and one daughter : John, of northern Iowa; Mrs. Pauline Handberg, of Springfield, and Niels.

Niels Johnson was educated in Denmark, and was early taught to work. He learned the carpenter's trade in addition to farming, and had some experience in both lines before he came to America. Landing in New York, he came direct to Springfield, arriving here May 10, 1879. Immediately he found employment in a dairy, and iater embarked in a milk and dairy business for himself, conducting it very successfully until he bought a farm. He pur- chased ninety acres at one time and 171 acres another, making a total of 261 aeres, all of it being in Woodside Township, where he is engaged in general farming, with special at- tention to dairying. Few men have achieved more in the same length of time than this once poor lad, for in addition to his fine farm Mr. Johnson owns stock in coal mines in Iili- nois and is otherwise interested in properties which yield good incomes.

Mr. Johnson was married in Springfield Oc- tober 14, 1886, to Minnie Wenneborg, born in Germany February 21, 1864, but brought to America at the age of three years by her father, Otto Wenneborg. He and his wife are now living retired in Springfield. The ehiidren of this family are: Mrs. Johnson; Mrs. Anna

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

Steffen, of Springfield; Mrs. Mary Speidel, of Quincy, Ill., and Otto, of Springfield. Mr. and Mrs. Jobnson have had five children: Otto C., Paul L., Ella C., Carrie and Wilbert N. Mr. Johnson is a member of the Lutheran Church, as are all the family. He is a Republican and has served as School Director for a number of years, as weil as Highway Commissioner one term. He is one of the most responsible men of bis locality aud enjoys unlimited confidence and esteem from his neighbors.

JOHNSTON, James H., a veteran of the Civil War and a highly respected citizen of Illiopolis, Ill., was born in Richmond, Va., February 16, 1837, a son of John Johnston, a native of Scot- land, who was a brickmason by trade. The fa- ther came to America in an early day and lo- cated in Richmond, where he lived for several years. then moved to Illinois and located near Danville. Vermilion County, but later returned to Virginia, where his death ocurred. His youngest child, James H., subject of this sketch, is the only survivor of the family. The latter began his education in Richmond and continued it in Vermilion County. He learned tbe har- ness-making trade in boybood, worked at it a short time and then learned the trade of barber, at which be worked several years. At the time of the gold fever he went to California and re- mained several years prospecting. He returned to Illinois and later to Richmond, wbere he re- mained but a short time, then coming back to Sangamon County. He later lived in Spring- field about a year, about a year in Logan County, and conducted a barber shop for over thirty years in Illiopolis, Ill. He suffered a paralytic stroke in 1900 and since then has lived retired from active business.

Mr. Johnston enlisted in Company C, Twen- tieth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, as a musician, and served the remainder of the war. He took part in the battle of Gettysburg and many other notable engagements, and was wounded once. He discharged his duty with credit to himself and his company, and won the respect and es- teem of his comrades. He is a Democrat in politics and a member of the Methodist Church. He has been successful in business and owns a comfortable home in Illiopolis. He draws a good pension and, though in poor health. is con- tented and happy, and wants for nothing. He has many friends and enjoys the good will of his neighbors and acquaintances.

Mr. Johnston was married. in Sangamon County, October 20, 1868. to Hester A. May. a native of the county, who was born May 10. 1851, daughter of Anderson W. May, a native of Ohio, who came to Sangamon County at an early day. and spent the remainder of his life on a farın near Rochester, wbere his death occurred, December 24. 1875. His wife who was born in Clermont County, Ohio, died April 20. 1901. Eight daughters were born to Mr. May and wife. of whom three survive besides Mrs. John- ston. Mr. and Mrs. Johnston had eleven chil- dren, of whom five are uow living : John F., of

Denver, Col .; Nora, wife of Charles Romick, of Whitehouse, Ohio; Fred R., of Decatur, Ill .; Bessie, wife of Charles Benvenuto, of Niantic, Ili .; Emi M., at home, teaching school near Lowder, Ill. There are four grandchildren in tbe family.

JONES, Eiijah .- The highest meed of admira- tion is given to the veterans, even when the most selfish of times are at hand, because of the fact that they proved themseives ready to give up their lives for an unselfish love of coun- try, aud devotion to their fiag which waved above them. The good soldier, although stimu- lated by his patriotism, suffered untold agony, and to his eyes, dimmed by pain, the glory of confiict did not appear nearly as great as the soothing realization that he had done his full duty, aud exhibited great moral and physical courage. One of the honored veterans of Springfield is Elijah Jones, Senior Vice Com- mander of Stephenson Post, No. 30, Grand Army of the Republic. He is now living retired at No. 817 Governor Street, Springfield.

Mr. Jones was born January 1, 1842, in Barren Couuty, Ky., a son of Martin and Lucinda (Wil- son) Jones, the latter being the second wife of Martin Jones. While residing in Kentucky, Martin Jones was a siave owuer, but on account of his views and the subject of slavery, left tbat State and came to Illinois. A few years later he returned to Kentucky, where he married, but in 1852 returned to Illinois, locating on a farm near Mattoon. Mr. Jones was married tbree times, first to a Miss Webb. After the death of his second wife. Lucy Wilson, he married Nancy Chandler. In 1861, he retired from active labor, although he resided on the farm with his son until his demise in 1867. He was the father of fifteen children, of whom Elijah Jones is the youngest.

The educational advantages of Commander Jones were limited to ten months in Kentucky, and several winter sessions in Illinois, and at the same time he did a man's work on the farmn. On July 13, 1861, he enlisted for three years in tbe First Illinois Cavalry, and re-enlisted as a veteran, January 1, 1864, in Company A, Fifty- fourth Illinois Volunteer Infantry. being made a corporai of his company. At the first battle, Lexington, Mo., he was taken prisoner. He was wounded in a skirmish while crossing the river from Little Rock, by a minie ball, in the left leg. At the time, it was thought he had recov- ered sufficiently to rejoin his regiment, and he participated in the second fight at Corintb ; was in the Siege of Vicksburg. the taking of Little Rock. and other less important engagements. He was finally mustered out and honorably dis- charged in October, 1865. after four years and three months' service.

Returning home. like many others, he re- sumed farming, but two years later opened a grocery at Mattoon, conducting it for three years. For the next two years, he was a com- mercial traveler. finally coming to Springfield in 1883, in connection with the State Board of

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Heaith. Becoming interested in coal mining, he was superintendent of a mine for four years. All this time, however, he was bothered by his wound, and finally was compelled to submit to amputation in consequence of the wound he had received in his left leg at Little Rock twenty- five years previous. He retired, and is in com- fortable circumstances. The government has endeavored in a small measure to recompense him by paying him a moderate pension, but nothing will restore his lost member or give him back the years of suffering which sapped his strength and saddened his days. He has been very active in Stevenson Post, No. 30, G. A. R., and is uow Senior Vice Commander. Ever since he cast his first vote, he has been a loyai Re- publican. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. and formerly was a Methodist, but now is connected with no church organization.

In November, 1866, the young hero of many batties was married to Emeline Hart, of Para- dise. Iil., daughter of Joseph B. Hart. She died in Springfield, January 29, 1901, having borne him ten children, five of whom died in childhood. Those living are: Joseph W., of Springfield, married Sue E. Tucker of Decatur; Kate. Mrs. Alva Davis of Carthage, Iil .; V. H., of Springfield, married Lillian Myers; Gertrude, unmarried, and Forest Magnolia, Mrs. Samuel Nayler of Carthage, Iil. Mr. Jones is one of the most genial of men. notwithstanding his affiic- tion, and he has done a man's work in a man's way, and made many warm, personai friends.

JONES, George W., a prominent citizen of Riverton, Ill., and a civii employe of the Civii War, has lived in Riverton for the past forty- four years. He was born in Prince George County, Md., October 17, 1844, a son of Charies B. and Ann (Wilson) Jones, both natives of Maryiand. The father was a farmer and ma- chinist, and both he and his wife died in their native State. They were parents of six sons and four daughters. and seven children are now living, all in the East except George W. The father was of Welsh parentage.

George W. Jones received his education in his native county and in his boyhood, worked for a time in a machine shop. At the time of the war he went to Washington and secured a position driving a wagon for the Government, going to the front and serving in this post nine months. He was at Fredericksburg, Va., at the time General Mcclellan was in front of Richmond. From Fredericksburg he went to Washington and secured employment with the Government in that city. He remained at this post until ten months prior to the close of the war, when he became a member of an army construction corps. serving in that capacity un- til the close of the struggie.

He next secured a position as wagon inaster and took charge of a wagon train for the Government which started from Washington in the fail of 1865 and came over the old Na- tional Road to Springfield. going through Fred- erick. Md., Columbus, Indianapolis and Terre

Haute. At Springfield the outfit was sold by the Government. At that time the Leland hotei was iu course of construction and he secured a position on this building for a short time. He was also for twenty-five years connected with the Riverton Coal Company and other coal mining companies as engineer, and is at pres- ent employed as engineer for the Springfield Coal Mining Company.

Mr. Jones has always been active aud ener- getic and has made good use of his oppor- tunities to better himself and promote the in- terests submitted to his care. He has always taken an active interest in public affairs, and in politics is a Republican. He has the esteein and confidence of his townsmen and has served on both the Town and School Boards for a number of years. He is a member of the Mod- ern Woodmeu and has a large number of friends. He has speut the larger portion of his life in Sangamon county, where he is weil known, aud has a reputation for integrity and reliability. He owns a very pleasant home in Riverton, besides other property.

Mr. Jones was married in Joliet, Ill., in 1878 to Catherine Hingy, a native of Canada, whose parents settled at Joiiet and speut the remain- der of their lives there. Four sons and two daughters were born to Mr. Jones and his wife, and four of their children stili survive: George E. of Joliet ; Eilis, also of Joliet ; Hillary and Stella, at home. There are also two grandchii- dren in the family.

Mr. Jones well remembers Abraham Lincoln, having frequently seen him in Washington and in Frederick, Md., during the war.

JONES, Oscar D .- Some of the farmers of Sangamon County have so prospered in their operations that they are abe to retire from ac- tive labor and live in ease and comfort. One of the men who has gained a comfortable com- petence from his farm land is Oscar D. Jones, who was born in Louisa County, Va., November 21, 18€0, a son of David G. and Mary ( Walker) Jones, both being born in the same county as their son. The father was a farmer and never came west, his death occurring in 1871. Dur- ing the War of 1812, he was a brave and loyal soldier. His father, the grandfather of Os- car D. Joues, was born in England and was a Revolutionary soidier. The mother died in 1902. By the first marriage of David G. Jones there were the following children: Langdon; Spottswood; Mary, wife of James Williams, a farmer; Jane, wife of David Bunch of Vir- ginia ; and Caroline. By his second marriage there were these children: Nannie; Oscar D .; and Mattie, wife of Frank Stewart, lives at Berkard, Iil.

After receiving a good common school edu- cation, Oscar D. Jones worked for his father on the farm, until he was twenty-two years oid. At that time he came to Faucy Prairie, Menard County. Ill., and spent fifteen years farming. In 1905. he came to Springfield, building his beautiful two-story residence on

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two acres of land. In addition to thls hie owns a large tract of land which he leases, and is in very comfortable circumstances.

On June 8, 1894, Mr. Jones was married In Louisa Connty, Va., by the Rev. J. J. Roads oť the Methodist Church, to Sallie Boyd, born in Louisa Connty, Va., Jnly 6, 1876. Her father survives, but her mother died February 15, 1905. Mr. and Mrs. Jones became the par- ents of the following children. Edith Virginia, born March 30, 1905. and Mary Lonisa, boin February 8, 1907. In politics Mr. Jones is a Democrat. He belongs to the Methodist Church and is one of Its most loyal supporters. All his life Mr. Jones has endeavored to live ac- cording to his faith, and has not only succeeded In business, but has attached many friends to him because of his kindly nature and ready sympathy.

JONES, Owen W., of Mechanicsburg Township, Sangamon Connty, has spent his entire life on the farm he now owns and occupies, where he was born, March 9, 1868. He is a son of E. W. and Margaret A. (Campbell) Jones, the former born at Wheeling, W. Va., and the latter near Frankfort, Ky., he a son of William Jones, and she a danghter of J. J. Campbell, of Kentucky. The grandfather was a soldier in the Unlon army, and after the Civil War came to Charles- ton, Ill., later locating In Mechanicsburg Town- ship. The father of Owen W. Jones located in Clear Lake Township, was married in Springfield iu 1862, then purchased a farm in Mechanicsburg Township, which he cleared and improved. He originally had fifty-one and three-forthis acres, ail in timber, bnt added to his land from time to time until he owned seventy-two acres. He died ou this farm March 4, 1907, and his widow died in August, 190S. They were parents of children as follows : J. J., of Mechanics- bnrg ; Owen W .; Eva, Mrs. Fred Cass, of Buffalo Hart Township.

In boyhood Owen W. Jones attended the dis- trict school, and he was reared to agricultural pursuits. He owns twenty and one-half acres of the home farm and rents 100 acres addi- tional, carrying on general farmiug and raising cattle and hogs. He was married, December 24, 1889, to Abigail Law, born in Cooper Township, Sangamon County, daughter of Thomas Law, who was born In Tennessee, and his wife in Clear Lake Township. Children as follows have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Jones: Shelby. Melvin and Bessle. all at home.

Mr. Jones has taken an active interest In affairs In his community and served twelve years as Highway Commissioner and one term as School Director in Mechanicsburg Township. He is a Republican in politics and a public- spirited, representative citizen. Hle belongs to Lodge No. 323, I. O. O. F., and No. 559, K. of P., of Mechanicsburg, also to I. O. R. M. Chicopee Tribe No. 556. He Is well known and highly esteemed in his neighborhood, where

his entire life has been spent, and Is success- ful in his farming operations.

JONES, Samuel T .- Samuel T. Jones, better known as "Thornt Jones," needs no special In- troduction to the readers of this book, not only becanse at the present time he is serving his third term as Clerk of the Circuit Court of Sangamon County, but also because he has been one of the leading representatives of the stock-raising interests in Illinois. In this con- nection he has gained a very wide acquaintance and his reputation extends beyond the boun- daries of the State.

Mr. Jones was born in Logan County, 111., on March 7, 1860 and at eleven months old was brought to Sangamon County by his par- ents, John R. and Mary A. Jones of Williams- ville, this connty. He acquired his education in the public schools of Williamsville and in 1877 spent one year as a student in the State Normal at Emporia, Kan. In 1878, in order to still further advance his education, lie matriculated in the Wesleyan University at Bloomington, Ill. where he pursued a scientific course covering four years being thns well eqnipped for important and responsible dutles in business life. From that time S. T. Jones has been indnstrionsly and actively connected with live-stock breeding, the raising of both horses and cattle, and he is to-day considered among the leading live-stock judges of the State. In connection with his brother, M. E. Jones, he carried on an extensive stock-raising busi- ness, making a specialty of pure bred stock. They were breeders of registered shorthorn cattle, made displays of their stock only at National and State Shows, and at the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago they showed three herds, two pure bred and one grade herd, taking first and second prizes on pure bred two years old. first on pure bred yearling, and first and second on pure bred calves. first on grade two years old steer, second on grade yearling steer and first on grade calf. sweep-stakes on two-year old, yearling and calf, pure bred, and grand sweep-stakes, open to all ages and breeds, on the steer Banner Bearer. All of these anim- als were bred on the Jones farms. Mr. Jones also bred the dam and granddam of Banner Bearer. At the close of the Columblan Expo- sition in 1893 he sold his interest to his brother, who still conducts a large stock business. A few years later he entered the employ of J. F. Prather and Company (bankers) in the capac- ity of assistant cashier. There he remained until elected to the position he now holds. be- ing the only Republican elected to that office in over forty years.

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 80

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