Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 99

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 99

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It was also claimed that the contents of Mc- Clernand's congratulatory order to his Corps, or the fact that a copy was not sent to Army Headquarters, was sufficient reason for relieving him from his command on June 18. An over- sight of his Adjutant General explains the fact that a copy of the order was not sent to Gen. Grant's Headquarters. As to the congratulatory order Itself, it can be found in the Rebellion Records, and will bear favorable comparison with many other such orders found there.

McClernand's Corps lost in killed, wounded, and missing before Vicksburg, 1487 men. Of the missing there were but few. To say that that Corps and its Commander did not do their whole duty intelligently, manfully, and nobly, is a direct contradiction of historical facts.

McClernand was later assigned to duty in Texas along the Rio Grande, observing the French occupation of Mexico. He also served under Banks in the expedition against the Con- federates on the Red River, where he became dangerously ill, and was sent North to recuper- ate. No further opportunity offered for him to continue his valuable military services to his country.

The lustre of his fame will continue to bright- en as the impartial historian seeks for facts to replace the prejudices that usually accompany contemporary history.

McCLERNAND, John A. (Vol. I, pp. 359-360.)'

MCCLINTOCK, William Jay, M. D .- The med- ical men of to-day in Illinois form a body which will compare favorably with any otber gather- ing of physicians to be found in the country, and from their ranks have been chosen repre- sentatives to some of the greatest medical con- ferences the world has known. Springfield is well represented and among its able physicians may be mentioned William Jay Mcclintock, who specializes in women's and children's diseases. Dr. McClintock was born June 20, 1858, in Mor- rison, Whiteside County, Ill., and is a son of John and Rachel (Teachiout) Mcclintock.

Dr. MeClintock's education began in the pub- lic schools of Morrison, which he attended from 1863 until 1868, and from 1869 until 1873 he was lu attendance at the public schools of Illi- opolis. During the two years following he pur- sued his studies in a business college at Rock-

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ford, Ill., and then began clerking in a drug store. In 1878 he bought out a drug store at Illiopolis, continued there nntll 1886, aud in 1887 went to Johnson City, Kan., where lie started a drug store with Dr. John I'. Cowdin, his brother-in-law. He removed from Jolinsou City to Salt Lake City, Utah, in 1889, but in 1891 returned to Illiopolis, aud during the year following started a drug business which he coutluued to conduct un- til 1894. In 189S, having decided to take np the practice of medicine as a profes- slon, Dr. McClintock eutered Washington Uni- versity, St. Louis, Mo., and graduated from the medieal department with the class of 1902, suc- cessfully passing the State Board Examination during Jnne of the same year. He commenced practice in Illiopolis during July, but removed to Springfield April 1, 1904, where his practice has steadily increased uutil at the present time he has the largest practice In women's and chil- dren's diseases in the eity. It is the doctor's Intention to give his entire attention to this class of work in the near future. He is known as a careful student and a steady-handed sur- geon, and his offices at No. 4221% East Mouroe Street, where he also makes his home, are equipped with all the appliances and accessories necessary to carrying on his profession.

On December 24, 1878, Dr. Mcclintock was married to Miss Sarah J. Hampton, at Illiopolis, Ill. They have no children. In politieal belief the Doctor is a Republican, hut his professional dntles keep him so busily employed that he has little time to engage in matters polltical. Hls religious belief is that of the Christian Church. The Doetor is well known in fraternal circles, being a popular member of the Masons, the Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias, the Woodmeu, the Tribe of Ben Hur, the Order of the Eastern Star and the Owls. His father having died while a private in the Union army, during the Civil War, Dr. McClintock Is naturally much Interested in the old veterans belonging to the Grand Army of the Republic.

MCCLURE, John W .- Pawnee, Ill., has many citizens now living retired after long years spent In business activity, ane one of the best known of these Is Jolin W. McClure, who for an ex- tensive period was engaged in a mercantile business here. He is a native of White County, Ind., born November 20, 1837, a son of James

and Nancy (Humes) McClure. His paterual grandfather was a native of Ohlo who died in Indiana, and his grandfather on the maternal side came from Pennsylvania and also died in Indiana. James McClnre was born in Scloto Bottoms, Ohio, July 24, 1805. and dled Feb- rnary, 1SS7, In Pawnee, where he had conie after the death ow his wife, December 13, 1863, she having been born in 1816. They were the parents of nine children : John W., Elizabeth J., Isabelle, Sarah B., James, Drusilla, Eliza, David H. and George., the four last named being deceased.

John W. McClure worked in the harvest fields in order to secure the necessary mouey to ohta ln an education in the subscription schools of Delphi, Ind., aud remained at home until twenty- four years of age, working on the farm and spending his spare time iu indulging in out-of- door sports, notably swimming, of which he has always been very fond. On August 22, 1862, le became a member of Company F, Ninety- ninth Regiment, Indiaua Volunteer Infantry, under Capt. George H. Gwin, enlisting at Brookston, Ind. He served throughout the war, being mustered out at Washington aud receiving his final honorable discharge at Indlauapolis, Ind. He rose to the rank of Sergeant, and he- longed to the Fifteenth Army Corps, which saw some of the fiercest and bloodlest fighting en- gaged In by the Union Army. Always a faith- ful and hard-fighting soldier, Mr. McClure cheer- fully accompanied his regiment in its many marches, encouraged his men in the skirmishes and vicious battles, and, all in all, made for himself a most creditable war record. His regi- ment inarched 3,620 miles, traveled by water 1,895 miles and was carried by railroads 716 iniles, making the enormous total of 6,231 miles. He participated in the battles of Jackson, Vicks- burg, Blaek River, Chattanooga, Rocky Face Ridge, Tunnel Hill, Mill Creek, Buzzard's Roost, Snake Creep Gap, Dalton, Resaca, Adairville, Rome, Cassville, Dallas, New Hope Chureh, Pumpkin Vine Creek, Kenesaw Mountain, Marietta, Big Shanty, Nickajaek, Chattahoochee River, Peach Tree Creek, Ezra Chapel, Slege of Atlanta, Jonesboro, Fort McAllister and many other skirmishes. On the march from Kenesaw Mountain to Marietta Mr. McClure suffered a snn stroke and was left on the road for dead, but soon recovered and rejoined his regiment.

After the war Mr. McClure went to his par- ents' home in Lafayette, Ind., where he remained until 1870, working as a collector for a marble firm, but in that year went to Montgomery County, Ill., to operate a hay-press, and so con- tinued until 1879. He then located in Pawnee and the next fourteen years of his life were spent in clerking, after which he engaged in a mercantile business of his own account and was thus occupied until his retirement from active life in 1895. Mr. McClure is a Republican in politics, and for six years was Postmaster of Pawnee, also serving as Justice of the Peace. Me is a member of the Modern Woodmen of Aineriean Camp No. 418 and A. J. Weber Post No. 421, Grand Army of the Republic. His re- ligious connection is with the Methodist Church.

Mr. McClure was married July 26, 1871, at Hillsboro, Ill., to Mina P. Harper, who was born in Harpersfield, Ohio, October 4, 1846. Her father, Henry Harper, was born in Harpersfield, March 19, 1813. and her mother, who bore the maiden name of Candice P. Wright, was born in New York, July 19, 1813. They were married iu Wisconsin. having formed an acquaintance on a boat while going to that State, and after marriage went back to Ohio, where they lived

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

' two years, then removed to Wisconsin. Twenty years later they came to Illinois, settling at Butler, Montgomery County, where Mrs. Harper died October 28, 1879, and Mr. Harper came to Pawnee, where his death occurred May 8, 1892. Mrs. McClure has a brother, Wright H. Harper, born in Wisconsin, May 26, 1848, who now lives in Pawnee, single.

Mr. and Mrs. McClure have had seven chil- dren : Minnie B., born in Butier, Ill., October 16, 1872, married Harry Furry, a clerk of Law- ton, Okla., and has three children, John K., Robert D. and Harry W. ; Baja, born in Pawnee, Ill., November 5, 1874, married John J. John- son, of Auburn, Ill., a farmer, and has two chil- dren, John A. and Walter R .; Walter T., born December 3. 1877, single and Ilving near Doug- las, Wyo .; James and Henry, twins, born June 11, 1881, the former of whom, now a resident of South Dakota, married Angellne Leightheiser and has two children, Otho and Beatrice T., while the latter marrled Nora L. Owens, has one child, Grace, and lives at MIIl Springs, Mo .; and Roy and Ralph, twins, born December 19, 1886, the former living in Tilinols, the latter having died in infancy.

McCONNELL, Edward .- Springfield is the center of many and varied interssts, but perhaps none commands the attention and energy of more men than that represented by the working of the coal mines in the vicinity. Not only are hundreds employed in the actual work of mining, but the shipment of the coal, the nse of machinery, and providing for the wants of those thus en- gaged, create immense demands. One of those interested in mining and kindred lines is Ed- ward McConnell, who, as his name indicates, is a native of Scotland, having been born at Stir- ling, July 17, 1872. He is a son of Edward and Elizabeth (Hickey) McConnell, natives of Ire- land and Scotland. The father was also a miner, who came from Scotland to Lexington, Mo., in 1881, and has made that locallty his home ever since.

Edward McConnell was brought up iu Lexing- ton, where he learned to work in the mines. Whenever he discovered opportunity and could afford time, he eagerly indulged in outdoor sports, but was early forced to earn his own living. In 1900 he left Lexington, coming to Springfield, which place has since been his home.

Mr. McConnell has six brothers and sisters : Willle, John, Patrick, Letitia, Mary and Sarah, and one of the brothers served in the Spanish- American War. Since he cast his first vote, Mr. McConneil has been a Democrat, and has always tried to advance the interests of his home town, but otherwise has not identified him- Self with public affairs. In religious faith, he is a Catholic. He is unmarried. He is re- garded as an npright, honorable young man. whose word can always be relied upon. IIe be- iongs to the Order of Red Men, the Hibernians and United Mine Workers. and is active In these societies, where he Is deservedly popular.

McCONNELL, (Gen.) John, (Voi. I, p. 361.)

McCONNELL, Robert Simpson .- The cail of patriotism echoed in many a loyal heart during the mighty struggle of the early sixties, and re- snlted in a chain of hardly contested battles that marked a crimson mourning belt over North and Sonth. Many of the participants in those remarkable campaigns have passed away, but fortunately many are left to us, to be heid in venerated honor for what they have undergone. No man endured hardships of the Civil War and came ont unscathed, although the enemy's shot and shell may have spared him. Every old soldier, whether living north or south of the Mason and Dixon line, has good and sufficient cause, in physical disabilities, to remember paln- fully what the Union cost him. One thus bravely and uncomplainingly suffering Is Robert Simpson McConnell. of Springfield. He was born In Washington County. Pa., May 23, 1830, being a son of a veteran of the War of 1812, Captain Robert McConnell, and his faithful wife. Edith ( Hamilton) McConnell. Captain MeCon- nell was born in Washington Connty, December 20. 1794, while his wife was born December 16, 1802. Both spent thelr lives in Pennsylvanla, the father passing away in 1865, and the mother in 1884. During the War of 1812 Captaln McCon- neil served nnder the redoubtable General Jack- son and participated in all hls campaigns.

Robert S. McConnell went to school in Penn- syivania. and his first business enterprise was working on a farm. For three years he operated a Then for three years he bought and sold stock. separator and thrasher in Pennsylvania. In 1860 he came to Indiana, living for two years In Attlca, Fountain County, where he engaged in a grocery business. From there he came to Decatur, Ill., to work at the carpenter trade. but about 1866, located in Springfield, and engaged in contracting and building, and that city has since continued to be hls home. He se- cured the contract for repalring the governor's mansion nnder Governor Shelby M. Cullom. In 1863 he enlisted in the Seventy-eighth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, in a sixty-day service. Mr. McConnell was taken prisoner by Gen. Johnson at Unlontown, Ky. After his exchange he went back to Indianapolis, where he was mistered out. For sixteen years he was Deacon and Treasurer of the Seventh Day Adventists Church, and he and his wife are still members of the church.

On February 6. 1862. Mr. McConneli was mar- ried to Mary May, born in Indiana. March 29, 1842. a daughter of George and Elizabeth (Van Gundy) May. Her parents operated a hotel at Attlca. Ind .. for a number of years. Her father died in 1857 and her mother. November 3, 1882. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Mc- Connell : Charles W., who died in Spokane, Wash .. March 14, 1907; Frank, a jeweler at 927 Sonth Third Street. Springfield. Ill., and a daughter who died in Infancy. Mr. McConnell has a brother who resides in Allegheny, Pa.

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In addition to his home at No. 1004 South Pas- field Avenue, Mr. McConnell owns other valu- able city realty in which he has invested to a considerabie extent, thus proving his confidence In Springfield's future.

In 1874 a teachers' and pupils' collection of pennies was taken up for the purpose of erect- ing a memorial in the shape of a museum at Boston. to Louis Agassiz, in honor of his birth- day, May 28. Young Charles McConneli, not having secured a penny at home, picked up a copper pen on the street and requested that that be his donation, which was granted. It was sent to Boston, and was sold for $25.00. A receipt for the amount of the donation, with a photo and autograph of L. Agassiz, was re- turned to the boy and is in possession of the family now. This pen was sent by the teacher to Dr. Newton Batemau, editor of this State History and then State Superintendent of Pub- iic Instruction.

McCORMACK, John .- Many of the bravest soi- diers of the Civil War, when the struggle was over, went to farming, and spent the remainder of their useful lives engaged in tilling the soil and reaping crops from the fertile acres their thrift had accumulated. One of the men who for years was thus engaged, and whose war rec- ord shows that he was a hrave soldier, is John McCormack, of Springfieid. He was horn in Ire- land, June 22, 1839, a son of Michael and Mar- garet (Connelly) McCormack, natives of Ire- land. The father was a merchant, who moved from Ireland to Montreal, Canada, and there spent the remainder of his life .

John McCormack went to West Virginia upon his arrival in this country from Ireland, where he had grown up as any country boy. He served in the First West Virginia Cavalry for three years, participating in the hard-fought battles of Winchester, Gettysburg, and Harper's Ferry, as well as others of less importance, and helng mustered out in 1865. Following his return home, he decided to seek new surroundings in a western State, selecting Illinois as hls objective point. Locating In Sangamon County, he de- veloped a fine farm, and in conjunction with his farming conducted a blacksmith shop. Finally he retired, coming to Springfield, where he is now living retired from active pursuits.

On April 20, 1865, Mr. McCormack was united in marriage at Cincinnati, Ohlo, to Johanna Hefferman, born in Ireiand. Three children were born to them, namely: Margaret, born in 1868; Joseph H., born In 1872, and Jennie, born in 1882. Mr. McCormack is a Republican, but other than doing his duty as a good citizen, has never participated in public matters. He be- longs to the Western Catholic Union and to Stephenson Post, G. A. R., of Springfieid. His religious faith is Catholic. For years Mr. Mc- Cormack has been recognized as one of the sub- stantiai men of Sangamon County, and he has many friends who appreciate his worth.

McCOY, Joseph C. (deceased) .- if it had not been that In the past there were men brave enough to risk their ail to develop new iands, and found homes for their loved ones, and pre- pare for oid age, many places now occupied by flourishing communities would still be covered with virgin forests and the present rich farm lands would lie faliow. One who gave up his life to farming activities and found an abundant reward in the valuable lands which he developed was the late Joseph C. McCoy, for many years a farmer in the vicinity of Tayiorville, Ill. He was born in Tennessee about 1828, a son of Morton M. McCoy, a native of South Carolina. Coming to Tennessee in young manhood, Morton M. McCoy met and married Rachel Wilson of Tennessee. Both came of good Revolutionary stock and were filled with a desire to do the best they could for the children who came to them. Feellng that there were more opportunities In 11- linois, they made the then long trip to that State in 1832, locating on Sugar Creek, near what Is now the village of Auburn. The father was a carpenter hy frade and found pienty of work in Springfield and vicinity. There he had the mis- fortune to lose his wife. He later married Ellen Laswell, who made hls deciining years happy. He died when over seventy-five years oid.

Joseph C. McCoy was the eldest of the three children born to his parents, and being but four years old when the family came to Illinois, had but iittle recollection of any life outside this State. Brought up on the farm, he adopted that work and was a farmer all his life. His education was somewhat limited, being confined to the schools of his vicinity, but he made the most of what he had learned and was well In- formed. The marriage of Mr. McCoy took place in Springfield on January 26, 1854, when he was united with Miss Elien Davis. They had one child, John, now a resident of Hilisboro, Ill., who married Alice Russell. Mr. and Mrs. Mc- Coy located on the farm on Sugar Creek after their marriage, and there Mr. McCoy spent the remainder of his well-ordered life, hls death occurring in 1886. He was a stanch Democrat, but never desired office.

After the death of her father, the family moved to Springfield to the house in which Mrs. McCoy now lives, and where Mr. Davis died August 1, 1900. Mrs. McCoy has lived in her present home in Springfield, at No. 1200 South Spring Street, for eighteen years, and has made it one of the most comfortable In the city. She is a most estimable lady, whose activitles in charitable work make her heloved, although with true modesty she allows but little of them to he known to the public.

McCOY, Sylvester J .- The pioneer history of Sangamon County contains accounts of the won- derful work accomplished by those brave fron- tiersmen who, coming from more eastern States, settled there in the midst of the Indians and wild animals. The wide expanse of prairie did

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

not know the touch of a plow, when many came there, and aiong the water courses thick timber shielded dangerous wild animals. There were no railroads and. in many instances, no roads : Indian trails leading from one point to another took the place of them. Schools, churches, towns, and conveniences, all lay in the future. The McCoy family is one of the oldest in the couuty, and is ably represented in Rochester hy Sylvester J. McCoy, a wealthy retired farmer of that locality.

The hirth of Sylvester J. McCoy took place in Rochester Township, May 3, 1849, he being a son of Milton D. and Malcina (Cooper) McCoy. John McCoy, the grandfather of Milton D. Mc- Coy, was born Juiy 11, 1763, and died October 24, 1823. He had a large family : Jane; Polly, died October 3, 1855; Elizabeth, born November 3, 1795 ; Joseph E., horn October 5, 1797; John A., born September 13, 1799, died July 14, 1835; Nancy, boru Noveluher 16, 1801; Prudence, born March 10, 1804; Zillah, horn March 5, 1806; Sophia, Octoher 5, 1809; Andrew T., November 26, 1811, and Jessie C., October 9, 1815.

James McCoy, son of John McCoy, was mar- ried in Nicholas County, Ky., to Jane Murphy, of German parentage. He served in the War of 1812, under Col. Johnson, long before his mar- riage. His wife was born in Kentucky, March 29, 1794, and lived there until her marriage. Two of their ten children were born in Ken- tucky, before 1818, when they came hy wagon to Sangamon County, locating there. They came with Levi W. Goodwin, his wife and two chil- dren. In 1818 six women came to Sangamon County. In 1819 Mr. McCoy moved to Rochester Township, and he bought the first sack of salt sold in Sangamon County, paying for it with coon skins which represented a year's hunting. James McCoy hecame a prominent man, hold- ing many offices, and had numerous dealings with the Indians during those early days. He used to take his corn to a grist-mill to be ground, the journey being of several days' dura- tion, as the wagon was drawn by an ox. He was of age before he owned a "store-made" coat, and always had a preference for clothing inade at home. His son Joseph was the first child born in the county.

Milton D. McCoy was born in Rochester Town- ship, October 16, 1823, and his wife was born four miles south of Rochester November 22, 1830. The McCoy family was originated in this country by three hrothers, who emigrated from Scotland. Two of the brothers settled in the south, and one in Pennsylvania. It is from the latter that the Sangamon County branch of the McCoy family descend. Milton D. McCoy spent his life in farming, and lived to be Chairman of the Sangamon County Old Settlers' Committee. serving in that capacity for several years. His death occurred October 15, 1908, and he is buried in Rochester Cemetery. It is interesting to note that he died on the farm on which he was born, and the old homestead is still standing. While

of a modest, retiring disposition, Milton D. Mc- Coy won meu and kept their friendship, and was muuch respected in his community. Four chil- dren of the family survive: Sylvester J .; Jesse K. in a real estate and insurance business in San Antonio, Tex .; Mrs. Mary Puffenburger, of Rochester, aud Mrs. Lilly Wright.

Sylvester J. McCoy secured his education in the schools of Rochester Township, making the most of the advantages offered him. He also attended the parish school, but had to help his father in working the farmn. He now owns the homestead of 100 acres in Rochester Township, on which both he and his father were born, and which has been in the family for so many years. It is now one of the most valuable farms in Sangamon County.

The marriage of Mr. McCoy occurred in Roch- ester, the Rev. Albert Hale, of Springfield, of- ficiating, when he was united with Pauline Abel, born in Germany, December 3, 1852. The father dying in Geriuany, the mother came to America, but being unable to provide for her large fam- ily, several people took the children, and Mrs. McCoy was adopted hy the Ahel family, her foster-father being Roswell P. Abel, who mar- ried Margaretta Luce. They were residing in Springfield at the time they adopted Mrs. Mc- Coy, and moved to Wichita, Kan., in 1883. There Mr. Abel died in 1887, and his wife in 1893. The real mother of Mrs. McCoy lived until the latter was twenty-five years old, when she died in St. Louis. Roswell Abel, the foster-grand- father of Mrs. McCoy, was horn July 13, 1785, on Sharon Mountain, Litchfield, Conn., and was ninety-eight years and twenty-eight days old at the time of his death. He married Betsy Mason, on October 22, 1807. She was born October 22, 1790, at Fort Ann, Washington County, N. Y., her father having been a Revolutionary soldier. They removed to Springfield, July 15, 1836, and there the wife died in 1876, at the advanced age of eighty-four years. Mr. Abel was a volunteer in the militia during the War of 1812, marching with his company from Granville to Whitehall, N. Y., and was in the Battle of Plattsburg. The trip from New York to Sangamon County was a long and weary one, heing made in a prairie schooner. At this time Chicago was a town of 2,500, with streets full of Indians, and mud so deep wagons mired continually, and the Abel party were stuck several times. They followed the old stage road from Chicago to Springfield, and, after the many adventures of their trip, arrived in good health and spirits. Mr. Abel had a son and a daughter : Mrs. John Armstrong, and Roswell P., who survived him. Another daughter, Mrs. Calvin Peahody, probably lived at Farmington, Mich.

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 99

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