USA > Illinois > Cass County > Historical encyclopedia of Illinois and history of Cass County, Volume II > Part 62
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In 1839, Mrs. Elizabeth Nisbet and family came from Preble County, Ohio, and took up their residence in the Providence neighborhood, a few miles from the Marshall farm, and were instrumental in founding the Providence Pres- byterian church, still in existence, and other- wise adding materially to the standing of this community. With the advent of Mrs. Nisbet came the first upholstered carriage seen in this rural settlement. Her daughter, Miss Mary I. Nisbet, was accompanied by a friend, Miss Eliz- abeth Clutch, of Lebanon, Ohio, and in the same party was Miss Melinda Simmons, whose parents were enroute to a new home in Beards- town, Ill. The Marshall brothers fell imme- diate victims to the charms of this trio of fair maidens, and the attraction proved mutual. John Marshall married Mary I. Nisbet ; William 21
chose Elizabeth Clutch for his life partner, and Charles wedded Melinda Simmons. Of the three remaining daughters of Mr. Marshall, Margaret became Mrs. Peter Redding, Martha, Mrs. Henderson Massey, and Maria, Mrs. James Ross.
James Marshall was reared in an atmosphere of good old Scotch Presbyterian faith, which was an element in the formation of his chil- dren's character. He was a thrifty, energetic man of much individuality, strongly endowed with native stick-to-it-iveness, which enabled him to achieve a fair share of success. Death claimed him in 1842, after sixty-five well spent years. His sons and daughters are now dead, and their descendants widely scattered. Only one representative of the family remains in this section, in the person of Mrs. William T. Price, second daughter of William and Elizabeth Mar- shall, who with her husband, still owns the old homestead, surrounded by the maple trees planted by her father in 1844, which still remain a monument to pioneer taste and forethoughit.
MARTIN, Judge Charles Æsop, was born in Richmond Precinct, Cass County, Ill., November 4, 1857. His father, John Martin, was born in the state of Pennsylvania in 1829, of Scotch- Irish parentage. His mother's maiden name was Rose Ann Turner, a daughter of James U. Turner and Julia ( Romig) Turner. James Turner's ancestry was English and Julia Romig's parents were Germans. Charles Martin was born on a farm which was owned by his father and com- prised eighty acres in section 8, township 18, north range S west, in Cass County, just above Middle Creek, the western part of the farm run- ning almost to the creek and overlooking a beau- tiful picturesque landscape. In 1858 John Martin sold his farm and moved to Edgar County, this state, and located on a farm which he purchased about eight miles south of Paris, the county seat of Edgar County, There Charles went to school with three older brothers, walking about a mile to the school on Big Creek, now known as the Wall school.
In 1861, at the first call for soldiers by Lincoln to suppress the rebellion, his father enlisted to enter the Fourteenth Illinois Cavalry, but the regiment being filled, he, with a number of others, was transferred to the First Missouri Cavalry. After the battle of Pea Ridge, where he sustained a wound and also incurred sick- ness, he was taken to the hospital at Rolla, Mo., and there died in April, 1862. The mother, with her family of small children, remained in Edgar County until the fall of 1862, then moved back to Cass County, this state, where her par- ents resided.
Charles Martin went to the country schools in Cass County and also worked on a farm when he was large enough. He afterward attended school in Bloomington and Normal in this state. In 1877 he began the study of law, and also taught school for a number of terius. After coming to Cass County he reviewed his law studies with the Hon. William H. Thacker, fre-
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quently mentioned in the historical part of this work, and they together took the examination before the Supreme court of Illinois and were admitted to the bar in the same class, in 1881. Mr. Martin taught school a few terms after being admitted to the bar and then opened an office in Virginia, Cass County, and entered upon the practice of his profession. He acquired a good practice and became. a successful lawyer.
On September S, 1881, Mr. Martin was married to Miss Sallie Ruth Beadles, a daughter of James M. Beadles, deceased. Mr. Beadles was one of the early pioneers of Cass County. He came here with his father, John Beadles, in 1834, from the state of Virginia, and settled on land near the present site of Virginia. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Martin, a boy and a girl. They both died in childhood, the boy at the age of six years and the girl at the age of four.
In 1892 Mr. Martin was a delegate to the National Republican convention, which met at Minneapolis, and in 1900 was elected a delegate to the National Republican convention which met at Philadelphia. The same year he was ap- pointed by Governor John R. Tanner, one of the state commissioners to the World's Exposition, held that year in the city of Paris, France. After spending the requisite time at the exposition he traveled over a large portion of Europe, and made a special point of visiting all the noted art galleries and museums, as well as the cathedrals and churches, and the tombs of great historical characters.
Judge Martin has always been a Republican in politics, firmly believing the theories and doc- trines of the Republican party, and that their practical application to the affairs of the govern- ment have been for the best interests of this nation, but he has never been obnoxious in ex- pressing his views, and has always been. kindly considerate and tolerant of the political views of others. Cass County has been for forty years Democratic in its party politics, the majorities running from 500 to 1,000, only occasionally a Republican being elected to some minor office. In 1910 Mr. Martin was nominated at the pri- mary election on the Republican ticket for the position of county judge, and at the election in November of that year was elected to the office by a handsome majority over his Democratic opponent. That Mr. Martin made a popular judge and served the people to their satisfaction is attested by the fact that in 1914 he was re- nominated and reelected by a majority greater than that of any candidate on the Democratic ticket.
Judge Martin has an extended reputation as a speaker and orator and is called upon quite frequently to address the public where people are gathered for celebrations on holidays and other occasions, and has been called regularly by the managers of his political party to assist in the speaking campaigns. He is an Odd Fel- low, a member of the Modern Woodmen, and several other fraternal societies. He is also a member of the Church of Christ, and is a de- voted advocate of and laborer in the Sunday
school. Judge and Mrs. Martin own a beautiful suburban home where they have resided for over thirty years at the eastern border of the city of Virginia, and which has been the scene of many social affairs when these hospitable people have entertained their hosts of friends.
Judge Martin is the author of the historical part of this volume, which speaks for itself as to his literary abilities and careful, studious habits of thought and research.
MASLIN, James .- No richer or more fertile land may be found in Cass County than that in the vicinity of Virginia, one and one-half miles from which city James Maslin is the owner of a well-cultivated property. His career has been one of tireless energy and well-directed management, and has been crowned by a suc- cess such as comes only to the men of ability and resources. While his life has been a singu- larly busy one, however, and his private inter- ests of an extensive nature, he has found time to devote to his community's welfare, and has earned the name of a public-spirited and useful citizen. Mr. Maslin was born in the central part of Cass County, Ill., July 31, 1861, and is a son of Robert and Ellen (Dolen) Maslin.
Robert Maslin was born in County Tipperary, Ireland, and his wife in County Roscommon, and both came to the United States when young people, being married in Cass County, where they settled down to housekeeping on a farm. He continued to be a tiller of the soil until their retirement in 1895, and since that year have made their home at Virginia. They have been the parents of the following children : Mary Ann, who married Daniel Shilling, of Pasadena, Cal .; Ellen, who still resides with her parents; Jane, who died at the age of nine- teen years; Matilda, who is Mrs. Henry Hull, of Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., Canada ; Emma, who is Mrs. Clinton Simmerman, of Virginia, Ill .; and James.
The eldest of his parents' children, James Maslin was reared on the homestead farm, and during the short winter terms attended the Panther Grove district school. He thus grew to sturdy manhood, alert in mind and active in body, and at the age of twenty-one years em- barked in ventures on his own account, renting land in the vicinity of his home place. After two years thus spent he purchased eighty acres of land and was ready to embark upon his real life work. On February 2, 1885, he was married to Mary Ann Cary, who was born at Virginia, Ill., daughter of Michael and Catherine Cary, natives of Ireland. His eighty acres of land were located in the timber, but fifty acres had been partly cleared, and he soon had the entire tract fenced and well drained, and began the erection of a set of new buildings. A tireless and enterprising workman, he was able to make a success of his undertakings, and in 1890 rented 400 acres of improved land which he farmed in connection with his first eighty. In 1904 he moved to Virginia, but previous to this time, in 1900, he had purchased 152 acres of
Roberto b. Stribling,
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HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY
land, well improved, one and one-half miles north of Virginia. In 1906 Mr. Maslin went to Jennings, La., with Alfred Campbell, and pur- chased 550 acres of property for the growing of rice, but later sold 120 acres and still owns 430 acres there, which he rents out for raising rice. Mr. Maslin lived in Virginia for one year, and during this time fed cattle and hogs, and in the fall of 1904 bought 19712 acres of land one and one-half miles east of Virginia, where he moved during the following March. There he remodeled the buildings and erected several new structures, and in 1907 purchased 272 acres adjoining his 152 acres one and one-half miles north of Virginia, Ill. He now works all of his own land, in addition to renting much more. In 1912, in partnership with James Newell, he purchased 274 acres just north of Virginia which he also works, carrying on general farm- ing, raising horses, and feeding cattle and hogs. Thoroughly conversant with modern methods, he believes in the use of the most highly im- proved machinery. He is known as a business man of worth and substance, and as one who has succeeded honorably and honestly.
Mr. and Mrs. Maslin have been the parents of the following children : Catherine, who resides at home ; Nellie, who is Mrs. P. J. Lock- hart, and lives on one of her father's farms ; Mary, who died at the age of eighteen years ; Emma, James and Martin, living at home; and Robert, who died at the age of two years. Mr. and Mrs. Maslin are faithful members of the Catholic church. Politically a Democrat, he has served capably as school director for a period of twenty years. He is interested in several business ventures, and is vice president of the Farmers National Bank of Virginia. His fra- ternal connection is with the Modern Woodmen of America.
MASLIN, Robert B .- Six years of admirable service in the office of city clerk of Beardstown, Ill., have firmly established Robert B. Maslin in the confidence and esteem of the people of this thriving and ambitious community, for dur- ing his three administrations he has evidenced a commendable desire to faithfully serve the best interests of the locality and its residents. Mr. Maslin is a native son of Cass County, Ill., born December 13, 1877, his parents being William and Mary ( Murphy ) Maslin, natives of Ireland, who have been residents of Cass County for a period of sixty years and who still make their home at Beardstown.
Robert B. Maslin was educated in the public and parochial schools of Beardstown, and when he entered upon his business career accepted a position in the clerical department of the Chi- cago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad, with which he was connected for a period of ten years, and was then promoted to be platform foreman, and continued as such until 1909, when he was elected to the office of city clerk. Mr. Maslin's first administration was so satisfactory to the voters that in 1911 he was again sent to that office, and this approval was ratified in 1913
when he was given another re-election. He has proved faithful and conscientious in the dis- charge of his duties, has displayed a high order of executive ability, and is one of the most popu- lar officials Beardstown has known.
Mr. Maslin is a member of the Elks' lodge and of the Knights of Columbus. He has been suc- cessful in a material way, and is the owner of some valuable city realty. He is unmarried and makes his home with his parents.
MASON, Charles M., a favorably known and successful young farmer and stockraiser of Cass County, Ill., whose postoffice address is Virginia, Ill., continues industriously engaged in his accus- tomed occupation of tilling the soil and breeding cattle on an eighty-acre farm lying in township 18, range 9. Mr. Mason was born in Adams County, Ill., June 10, 1878, a son of Charles and Hanna ( Koontz) Mason, the father a native of Indiana, and the mother of Pike County, Ill. The paternal grandfather was Samuel Mason, a native of Massachusetts, and on the maternal side the grandparents were George W. and Ruth (Potter) Koontz. The father and mother of Charles M. Mason were married in Adams County, Ill., and after farming there until 1882, moved to Cass County, the father buying a farm in what was then Old Princeton, in township 17, range 9. Charles Mason died August 16, 1900, and his wife, June 26, 1901. Their children were as follows: Julie E. (Mrs. John Har- wood), of Honeywell, Mo .; George, of Morgan County, Ill. : Douglas and William, both of Mis- souri ; Ruth (Mrs. Charles Young), of Morgan County, Ill .; Leander, also of Morgan County ; Thomas, of Missouri; Wallace, of Morgan County. Ill .; Warren, of Chicago; Charles M .; and Grover C.
Charles M. Mason attended the district schools in his youth and remained with his parents until their death. He then commenced work- ing on a farm by the month and continued thus about three years. Then he farmed for himself one year on rented land in Cass County, and two years in Morgan County, returning at the end of that period to an eighty-acre farm in Cass County, township 18, range 9, left by his wife's parents. He is engaged in general farm- ing and stockraising.
On August 10, 1905. Mr. Mason was married to Gertrude A. Robinson, a native of Cass County, daughter of George W. and Mary L. (Hensted) Robinson, natives of Ohio and Illi- nois, respectively. Both parents died in 1913. Mr. and Mrs. Mason have one daughter, Alma Allnene, born August 13, 1906. Socially Mr. Mason is affiliated with the M. W. A., No. 1461, of Literbury.
MASON, John M .- The construction of the Chi- cago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad brought many excellent men to Cass County, who re- mained after this work was completed and developed into representative citizens of this section. Among these is John M. Mason, an engineer who resides at Beardstown. He was
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born at Delaware, Newcastle County, Dela., Jnly 7, 1843. a son of John and Mary (Cordrice) Mason, natives of Delaware. The father was a stage-driver during his early life, when people traveled by stage coach, bnt later became a farmer, engaging in that line of work after a railroad was built.
Jolin M. Mason attended a country school and afterward learned engineering. He came to Cass County to work on the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad and continued with it nntil 1861. when he enlisted for service during the Civil war. On July 3. 1863. he was wounded at Spottsylvania Court House, bnt continued his military service until he was mustered out. July 12. 1865. at Munsonhill, Va., when he re- turned to Brandywine Springs, Dela., and later returned to Cass County. In 1866 he went into the railroad roundhouse at Beardstown, worked first as a fireman and later as an engineer. In addition to his residence Mr. Mason owns four other houses, and is a man of independent means.
On November 10, 1SGS, Mr. Mason was married at Wilmington. Dela., to' Ruth Anna Richison, born in Kent County. Dela., in 1842, a daughter of John and Ruth ( Jerold) Richison. the former of whom was a farmer. Mr. and Mrs. Mason became the parents of the following children : John II., Wesley R .. Frank E .. Mary. Henry S. and Gene. Mr. Mason is a member of the Knights of Pythias. He is a Methodist in religion and is active in his church. The Re- publican party receives his support. Faithful, capable and experienced, Mr. Mason is one of the most trusted employes of his road, and is appreciated by his associates, and when he relates stories of the earlier days regarding times through which he lived and concerning events now historic. he has many interested listeners, for his memory is remarkable.
MASTEN, Mrs. Nancy S., who is a Cass County woman who is proving her ability to conduct ex- tensive farming interests successfully and scien- tifically, is justly accounted one of the repre- sentative agriculturalists of this section. Mrs. Masten was born in Cass County. April 30, 1851, a daughter of Thomas and Rachel (Elmore) Combs, the former born in Kentucky, and the latter in Robinson County. Tenn., in 1812. These parents were married in Illinois, but later went overland in a covered wagon to Mis- 'souri, but came back to Illinois and located in Cass County.
Nancy S. Combs was reared on a farm and educated in the country schools of Cass County. On May 6. 1869. she married James Masten, born in Ohio. June 3. 1843. who came to Illinois in 1SCO. Hle was a farmer and stockraiser. His father served as a soldier during the Black Hawk war. Mr. and Mrs. Masten had the fol- lowing children : Almira Jane, who was born December 19, 1870; Silas, who was born July 6. 1872: John William, who was born January 14. 1877 : Nellie. who was born November 16, 1878; Edward C., who was born October 1S,
1SS5; Rachel, who was born November S, 1SS7 ; Ezra, born November 10, 1SS9, lives in Tallula ; Charlie M., who was born February 24, 1892; Marion, who was born June 28, 1895, the last two being at home: and Jessie, Julia and Thomas, all three deceased. Mr. Masten died Jnne 2. 1901. He was a Democrat and served as a school director. Mrs. Masten is a very capable woman and has all of her land, 230 acres, situated on section 32. township 1S, range S. nnder cultivation.
MAURER, Frederick J .- The self-made man has the satisfaction of looking back over his career and realizing that what he has accomplished is due to his own efforts and not to the advan- tages of fortune or through the help of others. Such a man is quite often a leading figure in his township. and a helpful infinence to others who are trying to make their own way unaided in the world. One who belongs to this class is Frederick J. Maurer of Virginia. He was born at St. Louis, Mo., June 23, 1850. a son of John W. and Philipeno ( Englehart ) Maurer. The father was born in Germany, and in 1844 came to the United States by sailing vessel to the port of New Orleans. La. From there he came up the Mississippi River to St. Louis, where he found employment at his trade of bookbinding. In 1852 he bronght his family to Beardstown. Ill., where he worked at his trade and also conducted a hardware store, until he bought a farm. From then on, he gave much attention to farming, but continued also to bind books, until his death in 1SS7. The mother sur- vived until 1890. They had eleven children, of whom Frederick J. was the sixth in order of birth.
As he began working for farmers when he was twelve years old. Frederick J. Maurer had bnt few opportunities for seenring an education. In 1880 he moved to a farm in Virginia, Cass County. of 120 acres, owned by his wife, and has since conducted it. raising stock and carry- ing on general farming. This property is a very valuable one. and Mr. Maurer takes pride in keeping it up to standard. .
In March, 1880. Mr. Maurer married Margaret Deterding. of Morgan County, a daughter of George and Louisa Deterding. Mr. and Mrs. Maurer have had the following children : Mary, who is Mrs. J. W. Daniels, of Beardstown ; Ella, who is Mrs. Major Daniels, of Cass County ; George, who is at home. assists in operating the farm: Addie, who is Mrs. Gustav Peterson, of Cass County : and Ruth, who is Mrs. David Krusa. of Cass County. The family attend the Cumberland Presbyterian church. In politics, Mr. Maurer is a Democrat and has served as a school director.
McCLURE, Lloyd M., who was born in Beards- town. Ill .. May 31. 1890. is a son of Milton and Rose (Orwig) McClure. The family history appears in this work. Lloyd M. McClure re- ceived his early educational training in the common and high schools of his native town
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and subsequently entered the Culver (Ind.) Military Academy, where he was graduated in the scientific course with the class of 1910. Re- turning then to Beardstown he applied himself to the study of law with his father, afterwards pursuing a three-year course in a law school. Since completing this Mr. McClure has had charge of his late father's extensive law practice, which he has conducted with marked ability, preserving the high reputation of his lamented sire, whose death occurred April 9, 1913. His mother is still a resident of Beardstown and is highly respected by a large circle of acquaint- ances. Mr. McClure is a young man of notable talent and creditable culture, and gives early promise of a successful career.
Mr. McClure is connected with the Congre- gational church, in which his father was a shining light. Politically he gives a firm support to the policies of the Republican party.
MCCLURE, Milton (deceased) .- When death re- moves from a community one of its strong pillars of thought and action, extinguishing a life which had developed during a full generation, in acknowledged companionship with its leading minds, there is a deep sense of loss in that community. When such a life has long im- pressed itself as a potent individuality upon the growth of all public interests, this loss seems indeed to be irreparable. This was the general sentiment among the representative classes of Beardstown on April 9, 1913, when the career of Milton McClure, one of its most distinguished and deeply valued citizens, came to an end.
The birth of Milton McClure took place on a farm in Macoupin County, Ill., September 3, 185S. He was a son of James E. and Ellen McClure, of Carlinville, Macoupin County, in the same state. He received his early education in the public schools of Macoupin County and in Blackburn University at Carlinville. After teaching school for a while in Macoupin County, he became professor of mathematics in Black- burn College, afterwards attending the Univer- sity of Iowa, where he studied law. His class numbered 130, among whom were future govern- ors ot states, United States senators, congress- men and district judges, and his only competitor for the highest honors of the class was Hon. John L. Kemus, now of Omaha, Nebr. On completing his collegiate course he located at Beardstown, in 1883, and then began that proc- ess of development which elevated him to a place among the foremost lawyers of Illinois. His practice extended far beyond local limits, and it is said that his briefs before the higher courts were among the best known models of conciseness and strength. He gave close atten- tion to all his cases, leaving no point untouched, and the interests of every client were safe in his hands, because of his honesty and his ex- haustive study. For his high qualities as a lawyer and as a citizen, that were conspicuous throughout his career of thirty years in Beards- town, he was everywhere honored and held in the utmost respect by all who knew him. During
this long period he mastered the laws pertaining to the drainage district and public improve- ments, originating much of the legislation for the drainage districts and for the work of corporation paving,
In 1885 Mr. McClure was united in marriage with Rose Orwig, a daughter of William and Jane Orwig, of Beardstown. They had two children : Lloyd, a practicing lawyer, now twenty-five years of age; and a daughter, who died in infancy. Mr. McClure, besides his im- mediate family, left three brothers : Col. Charles M., of Washington, D. C .; Frank, of Louisiana ; and James E., of Carlinville, also one sister, Mrs. Jesse Peebles, of Carlinville.
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