Historical encyclopedia of Illinois and history of Edgar County, Part 139

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897. cn
Publication date: 1905
Publisher: Chicago : Munsell
Number of Pages: 876

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ALEXANDER BARTON, millwright, carpen- ter, contractor and builder, Paris, Edgar County, was born in Clark County, Ill., Sept. 15. 1848. the fifth in order of birth of eight children born to Robert and Margaret (Shields) Barton, the former a native of Kentucky, and the latter of Illinois. He was reared on his father's farm. and educated in the public schools of Hunter Township. Edgar County, where his parents located with their family in 1858. For fifteen years he followed farming in Hunter Township, where he became promi- nent in the political and general life of his neighborhood. and served as Tax Collector and School Director on the Republican ticket. Tak- ing up his residence in Paris in 1881, he then learned the millwright trade, and has since erected many notable public and private build- ings, and is rated as one of the best mechanics in this part of the state, his name being asso- ciated with strength. durability, neatness and finish of construction, and his services being in demand far beyond the borders of his adopted town. In 1867 Mr. Barton married Martha Troutman. He is socially connected with the Masons and Modern Woodmen of America. With his wife he is a member of the Christian Church.

HON. ROBERT N. BISHOP (deceased) was born in Lexington, Ky., Nov. 13, 1840, son of Ebenezer B. and Laura (Churchill) Bishop. His ancestors were Scotch, his paternal grand- father being called from Scotland in 1803, to preside over Transylvania University at Lex- ington, and in later years was President of Miami University, Oxford, Ohio. The subject of this sketch was prepared for college chiefly by his father, and spent a year or more at Edgar Academy, Paris, Ill., his studies being interrupted by intervals of teaching. In 1863

ROBERT N. BISHOP.

he was graduated from Miami University, and in the same year was admitted to the bar. He commenced the practice of law in Charleston, Ill., but shortly afterwards removed to Paris, where the rest of his life was spent. In 1863 he was elected

County Superintendent of Schools, which office he held for two years. In 1870 he was elected to the Illinois State Senate, serving one term in the Twenty- seventh General Assembly. He was a member of the Committee on Judiciary, Apportionment. Federal Relations and Penal Institutions, and was a conservative and effective worker. In 1864 Mr. Bishop was married to Miss Jane E. Nelson of Hillsboro, Ohio, who, with their two daughters-Lucy Dawson and Katharine Kib- ler-survives him. He died April 2, 1881.

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HISTORY OF EDGAR COUNTY.

WILLIAM BLACKBURN, retired farmer, was born five miles east of Paris, Ill., Oct. 15, 1823, a son of James and Cassandra (Widener) Blackburn, the latter's birth occurring near Vincennes, Ind. The Blackburns settled in Edgar County in 1820. The oldest member of the family, William Blackburn, was the grand- father of William, Jr., and lived in Indiana where he died. James was born in 1797, in Kentucky, and was reared in Ohio. His family comprised seven children, William being the second in order of birth. He was born in what is now Stratton Township, the same year that the county was organized. The father became a successful agriculturist, and at one time owned an estate of over 2,000 acres, with extensive herds of cattle pasturing thereon. William Blackburn resided at home until he reached the age of 25 years. He then began farming in Kansas Township, and was thus engaged until 1870. During those twenty-two years he had accumulated an estate of 640 acres. In 1870 he moved to Paris and tarmed 400 acres of land northwest of the city. He personally conducted the farm until 1893, when he retired, and now resides in the home of his son, William T., on East Court Street. Mr. Blackburn was married in November, 1848, to Rebecca Tate, and of this union one child, Nannie M., was born. Mrs. Blackburn died in February, 1856, and he then married, in Novem- ber, 1856, Miss Louisa Downard, who was born and reared in Kentucky. Mr. and Mrs. Black- burn were the parents of seven children, namely: Cassandra, Milton A., William T .. Margaret, James M., John W. and Nellie. The mother died on May 20, 1896. In politics Mr. Blackburn votes the Republican ticket, and served as Supervisor for several terms, while residing in Kansas and Paris Townships; was a member of the board that built the present court house. In his religious belief he is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and has been elder in the same for thirty-five years.

WILLIAM B. BLACKBURN was born July 11, 1860, and received his education in the high school and State University at Champaign. He resided at home until 1890, and then began farming in Shiloh Township, owning half a section, on which he resided. He was married Sept. 24, 1890, to Grace M., daughter of Hiram Conkey, a native of Edgar County. Politically Mr. Blackburn is a Republican, and was

elected Tax Collector in 1901-02; also served as Alderman and Chairman on Committee of Improvements.

WILLIAM T. BLACKBURN, a farmer, born in Kansas Township, Edgar County, July 11, 1860, is the son of William and Louisa (Dow- nard) Blackburn. He remained on a farm until he reached the age of ten years, when, in 1870, he removed with his parents to Paris, where he attended the high school and later the Uni- versity at Champaign, in which institution he devoted his time to the study of civil engineer- ing, thereby becoming a thoroughly qualified engineer, which occupation he has followed for the past fifteen years. He is Drainage Engineer for various districts in the county, City Engi- neer. Paris, Ill., and has also for many years been a professional farmer and stock-raiser, beginning when he was but seventeen years of age, to ship cattle to Buffalo. He now owns 360 acres of farming land, which he rents out, and also manages 640 acres for William McGuire of California. He has erected for himself in Paris, Ill., a fine residence containing all the modern improvements. Mr. Blackburn was married Sept. 24, 1890. to Grace M., a daughter of Hiram Conkey, who was born in Edgar County in 1830. In his political belief he votes the Republican ticket, and has served as Alder- man of the second ward, as Assessor four times, and twice as Collector of Paris Township. He is very active in all matters pertaining to the welfare of the community, and was instru- mental in introducing sanitary sewer system and paving the streets of the city. He is a member and trustee of the Presbyterian Church, and acted on the building committee of the same. Socially he is affiliated with the Knight Templars and Elks.

E. B. BLACKMAN, a prominent farmer resid- ing on Section 24, Hunter Township, was born near where he now lives, April 13, 1864. His parents were Jira I. and Mary E. (Hopkins) Blackman. He was reared on his father's farm and received his education at the local schools, and later, the College at Teutopolis, Ill. Sub- sequently he entered the Notre Dame Univer- sity of Indiana, pursuing a commercial course from which he was graduated. On January 20, 1886, Mr. Blackman was married to Miss Della Hunter, a daughter of George Hunter and a niece of Judge A. J. Hunter of Edgar County.

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HISTORY OF EDGAR COUNTY.

To Mr. and Mrs. Blackman have been born the following six children: Faber C., Jira E., Urban, Leon, Benj. John and Beatrice. Mr. Blackman was elected Supervisor of his town- ship in 1899 and re-elected in 1901 and 1903 and is now Chairman of the Board; has also served as Collector in his township. He owns 230 acres of fine farming land, which is a part of the original homestead. He is a mem- ber of the Knights of Columbus. In politics he is a Democrat and a member of the State Central Committee and has served as delegate to Senatorial and Congressional conventions. In his religious belief he is a member of the Roman Catholic Church.

JIRA I. BLACKMAN (deceased) was born in Hunter Township, Edgar County, Oct. 13, 1820. The family of his father, Remember Blackman, was one of the first of three white families to settle in Edgar County. Jira I. Blackman spent his youth on a farm, and in attending the local schools. In July, 1846, he enlisted as a soldier in the Mexican war, being mustered in at Springfield, Ill., and appointed third sergeant. He shared the fortunes of the army through the long marches in Mexico, proving himself a good officer and soldier, and receiving an honorable discharge at the end of his term of enlistment. In 1850 Mr. Black- man went to California and engaged in farm- ing, which industry he followed for six years, during which time he met with more than ordinary success. On June 21, 1863, he was married to Mary E. Hopkins, and the follow- ing six children were born to them: Edwin B., Charity A., Nancy L., Wallace J., Jack and William. Mr. Blackman was an honest, ener- getic man, leaving at his death, which occurred Nov. 26. 1878, a valuable estate of nearly 4,000 acres.

PARDY T. BLACKMAN, farmer, Stratton Township, Edgar County, Ill., was born on the old Blackman homestead near Vermilion, Oct. 1, 1873, the son of Truman and Sarah Black- man. The subject of this sketch passed his youth in Stratton Township, where he obtained his educational training, and remained at home until his marriage, which occurred May 17, 1893, when he took Myrtle Pinson, daughter of Andrew and Mannie Pinson for his wife. Mr. Blackman now owns 205 acres of the old Blackman homestead besides twenty-

five acres where his own residence is located. He is a Republican in political views, and is a member of the Vermilion order of I. O. O. F.,. as well as being a Mason.

WILLIAM R. BODINE, farmer and politician of Hunter Township, Edgar County, Ill., was born where he now lives, Feb. 22, 1841, a son of John and Lucinda Bodine. February 25, 1878, he married Isabell, daughter of James A. and Emma Mccown, and to himself and wife has been born a daughter, Emma J. For many years Mr. Bodine has been prominent in Dem- ocratic politics, having served as Supervisor of Hunter Township for eight years, as Asses- sor three years, Collector four years, Township Constable two years, and School Director five years. With his wife and daughter he is a member of the Catholic Church.

CLARENCE BONNER, an enterprising young business man of Chrisman, Edgar County, and President and manager of the C. E. Bonner Manufacturing Company of that city, was born in Ross Township, Edgar County, Feb. 7, 1869, the son of James M. and Nancy J. (Williams) Bonner, both natives of Indiana and early settlers of Edgar County. To James and Nancy Bonner were born eight children, six of whom are now living, namely: William S., Mary E., Thomas W., John W., Charles A., and Clarence. The father died in January, 1892, but the mother still survives, residing at Cherry Point. Clarence Bonner was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools. In 1893 having purchased a farm in Ross Town- ship, he began farming on his own account, which he continued for six years. This farm he sold in 1902 to Charles Hoult. In 1899 Mr. Bonner purchased from Oscar Hones the eleva- tor at Cherry Point, which he operated for two years, when he sold it to H. Epps, although still retaining its management. In 1903 he organized a company to operate a machine shop in Chrisman for the manufacture of the Victor pipe wrenches, a device of great mechanical merit patented by Clarence and William S. Bonner. The plant in which they have $67,000 invested is now in full operation, employing a force of forty men, and within a few years promises to be one of the leading manufactur- ing institutions of the county. Clarence Bon- ner has recently erected a comfortable resi- dence in Chrisman, which is now his permanent

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HISTORY OF EDGAR COUNTY.

home. Mr. Bonner was married Dec. 24, 1890, to Miss Cora M. Parks, a daughter of Pleasant and Mary (Hoult) Parks, and they have four children: Maud V., Ethel J., Arthur L., and Ruth. Mr. Bonner is a member of the Metho- dist Episcopal Church and of the order of Knights of Pythias. In politics he is a Repub- lican and fills the offices of Commissioner of Ross Township and School Director.

JESSE BORTON, general farmer and stock- raiser, and after whom the village of Borton was named, was born in Guernsey County, Ohio, Jan. 4, 1835, a son of William and Matilda Borton, the former of whom was born in Ohio soon after his parents' removal there from New Jersey. Locating where he now lives in Embarras Township, in 1869, Mr. Borton has since set a high standard of farm improvement, has taken a keen interest in local Democratic undertakings, and has been foremost in pro- moting educational and general advancement. He is now serving his fourth term as Justice of the Peace. He owns 300 acres of land, which yields a liberal income, enabling him to maintain his family in comfort, and to provide his eight children many more than the average advantages. One child, Rhoda J., is deceased, and those living are: John W., William B., Eppa L., Mary M., Edison S., Maggie Z., and Emmet S. Mr. Borton also has thirteen grand- children, eight boys and five girls. Mrs. Bor- ton, who died Feb. 24, 1893, was formerly Mar- garet, daughter of Joseph Brown, of Ohio.

THOMAS H. BOSTON .- Starting upon his independent career with meagre material assets, a limited education, and little in the way of practical encouragement, Thomas H. Boston has accumulated a competency, owning a farm of 280 acres in Ross Township, of which he is regarded as a prominent and substantial upbuilding factor. Born Oct. 8, 1844, in Ritchie County, W. Va., he is a son of Noah R. and Mary A. Boston, natives also of the Old Domin- ion. In February, 1862, Mr. Boston enlisted in Company K, Tenth West Virginia Volunteer Infantry, and served in the Union army until his discharge in May, 1865. He then came to Illinois, and in 1876 moved to his present farm. March 14, 1889, he married America Hildreth, who died March 21, 1900, and who was the mother of four children: Josephine, Harry, Ruth, and Grace. In August, 1903, Mr. Boston

was married to Verdie Dickson. In political sentiment he is a stanch Republican, and fra- ternally is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of Metcalf, and the Mod- ern Woodmen of America at Chrisman.

HERRICK O. BOYER, auctioneer and promi- nent citizen, Paris, Ill., was born in Kansas Township, Edgar County, Ill., Sept. 4, 1857, son of Francis and Ann ( Pinnel) Boyer. The paternal grandfather, Abraham Boyer, was a native of Oldham County, Ky., and became one of the earliest settlers in the southern portion of Edgar County. For many years he was a minister of the Christian Church, and during his residence in Edgar County served twenty- five consecutive years as Justice of the Peace. Francis Boyer, the father, was born in Kansas Township, Edgar County, in 1833, and died in 1898. He was married in 1855 to Miss Ann Pinnel, there being two children of this union, Herrick O. and Clara (Mrs. L. T. Arterburn). The subject of this sketch was reared on his father's farm adjoining the village of Kansas, and obtained his education in the district schools, Wabash College, Crawfordsville, Ind., and Normal College, Danville, Ind. For three years he was engaged in teaching during the winter season and farmed in the intervening summer months; was afterwards engaged in the grocery business at Kansas for three years, and for four years thereafter was a dealer in hardware and agricultural implements at the same place. In 1892 he located in Paris, where he has since been engaged in selling stock, and is considered one of the best auctioneers in the State; is also interested in agricultural pursuits, owning 120 acres adjoining the cor- porate limits of Paris on the southwest and 300 acres in Kansas Township. On June 2, 1892, Mr. Boyer was married to Martha E. Bennett, born and reared in Clark County, Ill., the daughter of George and Mother Martha ( Jures) Bennett. In political sentiment he is a Democrat, and was a candidate on that party's ticket in 1892 for County Sheriff, but was defeated. Fraternally Mr. Boyer is a member of the Masonic Order, Blue Lodge and Chapter of Kansas, and Palestine Commandery at Paris.

JOSEPH W. BOYER, merchant, Vermilion. Ill., was born in Augusta County, Va., Feb. 1. 1832, the son of Joseph and Elizabeth Boyer. who located in Coles County, Ill., in 1838.

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HISTORY OF EDGAR COUNTY.

After completing his educational training, Mr. Boyer engaged in teaching for fifteen years in Coles and Edgar Counties. In 1864 he went to Vermilion, where he taught for four years longer before deciding to become a merchant. He first entered the store of Besear & Shaw as a clerk, remaining with them for five years, when he engaged in business for himself. In 1856 Mr. Boyer was united in marriage with Asenath Scott, and four of the children born to them are now living: R. E., Mary J., E. B., and C. M. In political views Mr. Boyer is a Republican. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and fraternally belongs to the Masonic Order.

ELLIS BRILL, Redmon, Ill., was born in Guernsey County, Ohio, April 30, 1845, son of Solomon and Mary A. (Foraker) Brill, natives of Ohio, who came to Illinois in 1870, locating in Edgar County. In February, 1864, Ellis Brill enlisted in Company D, Sixtieth Ohio Volun- teer Infantry, in which he served as Corporal until the close of the war. He was wounded in the engagement at Petersburg, Va. On Sept. 26, 1867, he was married to Lurilla Dillon and in 1870 came to Edgar County, Ill., where he has since been engaged in farming and engineering. In politics Mr. Brill is a Repub- lican and has served as a member of the Town Board of Redmon. Fraternally he is a mem- ber of the order of Odd Fellows and M. W. A., and in religious faith is a Methodist.

GEORGE BRINKERHOFF, farmer, Buck Township, Edgar County, was born in the county where he now resides, Dec. 6, 1855, son of Henry and Rhoda (Yowell) Brinkerhoff. The father, Henry Brinkerhoff, was a native of Holland, and on coming to the United States located first in New Jersey, but shortly after- wards (about 1840) removed to Edgar County, Ill. Seven children were born to himself and wife. The subject of this sketch is one of the successful farmers and stock-raisers of Buck Township, and owns 200 acres of land. On November 2, 1881, he was married to Melinda Kreiger, and to them four children have been born: Oziah J., Jessie S., Cleaver H., and Wilson W. In politics Mr. Brinkerhoff is a Democrat, and is liberal in his religious views. John Kreiger, father of Mrs. Brinkerhoff, was a native of Germany, who came to the United States and located in Linn County, Iowa. He

enlisted in the Union Army during the Civil War, and was killed in battle.

WILLIS BRINKERHOFF, grain dealer, Red- mon, Edgar County, Ill., was born in Grand View Township, Edgar County, Sept. 9, 1853, son of Henry and Rhoda (Yowell) Brinkerhoff, natives respectively of New Jersey and Ken- tucky, who settled in Edgar County about 1846. Besides pursuing his occupation as grain dealer at Redmon, Mr. Brinkerhoff owns and super- vises 200 acres of land in Buck Township. On October 7, 1875, he was married to Araminta Hanna, daughter of John and Sarah Ann ( Moffett) Hanna, natives of Virginia and Ken- tucky respectively. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Brinkerhoff, one of whom, Ivan J., is living. In political views Mr. Brinkerhoff is a Democrat, and has served as Highway Commissioner for three years, and for the past decade has been Township Treas- urer of the School fund.

CAPTAIN GEORGE W. BROWN, retired farmer and auctioneer, Paris, Edgar County, Ill., was born June 5, 1839, in Highland County, Ohio, son of James W. and Elizabeth Brown. He came to Edgar County in 1858, later remov- ing to McLean County, where he was peace- fully engaged in teaching school at the begin- ning of the Civil War. Organizing Company D, Ninety-fourth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, he was elected Captain of his company, serving in that capacity until forced by physical dis- ability to resign in March, 1863. In search of health he traveled extensively through the North and West, visiting the States of Wash- ington, Oregon, and California, and in 1866 returned to Paris Township, where he carried on farming, and was engaged as an auctioneer. August 20, 1868, he married Athalinda, daugh- ter of John and Eliza Arthur, of Paris Town- ship, and to them have been born ten children: Ada V., Ida W., John A., Joseph E., Ola E., Gertrude H., James C., George W., Charles R., and Harry. Captain Brown is a Republican. and a member of the Grand Army of the Republic at Paris. Having retired from life as a farmer, Captain Brown is now a resident of Paris, Ill.

GEORGE W. BROWN, County Superintendent Edgar County Schools, was born in Embarras Township, Edgar County, Oct. 28, 1867, the

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HISTORY OF EDGAR COUNTY.

son of Marion and Margaret J. ( Bandy) Brown, who were natives respectively of Greenup County, Ky., and Edgar County, Ill. The father came to Edgar County in 1859, and after having engaged in farming in Embarras Town- ship until 1888, removed with his family to Jasper County, Mo., where he served as Probate Judge four years. George W. grew up on the farm, remaining with his father until 1887, when he began teaching in the country, later being employed in the graded schools, until 1898, when he accepted a position as Deputy in the office of the County Clerk. This position he occupied until 1902, when he was elected to his present office of Superintendent of Schools for Edgar County. Mr. Brown was married

GEORGE W. BROWN.

July 1, 1891, to Amanda, daughter of John and Emma (Davidson) Asher, of Edgar County, and to them have been born two children: Eos Olaf and Harold Asher. In politics he is a Democrat, and in religious belief associated with the Christian Church. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and identified with the Masonic Fraternity.

JAMES H. BROWNING, real estate dealer, Paris, Ill., was born in Muskingum County. Ohio, Sept. 22, 1854, the son of James M. and Elizabeth (Sheppard) Browning, natives of

Virginia, who located in Edgar County, Ill., in 1865. Mr. Browning spent his youth in Edgar County, where he also obtained his educational

JAMES H. BROWNING.

training, and for many years was engaged in teaching in the same locality, being Superin- tendent of the Chrisman schools for a term of six years. In 1894 he removed to Paris, and since that date has been actively engaged in the real estate business. In Vermilion, 1880, he was married to Maggie D. Allen, daughter of James R. and Amanda (Koontz) Allen, and they have one daughter named Estella. Mr. Browning is a Republican in politics, a member of the I. O. O. F., and belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church.

JAMES H. BROWNING, a school teacher and farmer, who has made the best of the opportu- nities which have come his way, is a native son of Edgar County, Ill., having been born Oct. 14, 1878. His family is further represented in the county by his parents, John B. and Elizabeth E. (Kroons) Browning, the former born in Maryland, and the latter in Indiana, and who came to Illinois about 1864. Mr. Browning qualified as a teacher in the district schools of Edgar County, and since has taught in many districts, lending dignity and excel- lence to this important branch of human

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HISTORY OF EDGAR COUNTY.

endeavor. On May 28, 1901, he married Minnie E. Shearer, daughter of Jackson C. and Mattie E. Shearer, born in Indiana and Illinois respectively, and who have lived in Edgar County since 1858. The Browning honsehold has two children, Thelma and Ruby. Mr. Browning adheres to the principles of the Republican party, and fraternally is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America.

JAMES B. BUCKLER, owner of a farm of 240 acres in Embarras Township, Edgar County, is a son of Thompson and Snsan Buckler, natives of Kentucky, and who settled in Edgar County in 1840. Mr. Buckler was born while his mother was on a visit to her old home in Kentucky, Sept. 16, 1845, and since old enough to make himself nseful, has always engaged in farming. He has kept pace with the progress in agriculture and stock-raising, has made many fine improvements on his place, and its general appearance and the yearly output evidences the painstaking, methodical disposition of its owner. Mr. Buck- ler established a home of his own Dec. 2, 1870, marrying Nancy J., daughter of Samnel H. Ashmore, of Kentucky, and two of his fonr children are living: Leona D. and Lawrence M. He is a Democrat in political affiliations, and finds a religious home in the Baptist . Church.

PAUL BURKEY, owning and operating a 162- acre farm in Buck Township, Edgar County, Ill., was born in Muskingum County, Ohio, Aug. 29, 1847, the son of Anthony and Ann Maria (Huff) Burkey, natives of Germany. The parents came to the United States in the early part of the nineteenth century, settling in Pennsylvania, from whence they removed to Ohio, and in 1871 located in Edgar County, Ill. The subject of this sketch was twenty-four years of age when he came to Edgar County, and on Jan. 31, 1876, was married to Rida Stalmaker, a native of Indiana, and of Virginia parentage. To Mr. and Mrs. Burkey have been born nine children, the order of their birth being as follows: Roland T., Hallie, Lelia, Edna, Benjamin, Paul, Laura, Hattie, and May. Politically a Democrat, Mr. Burkey has served as Road Commissioner six years, and has also been Drainage Commissioner and School Director.

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois and history of Edgar County, Part 139

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897. cn Publication date: 1905 Publisher: Chicago : Munsell Number of Pages: 876

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897. cn
Publication date: 1905
Publisher: Chicago : Munsell
Number of Pages: 876