Historical encyclopedia of Illinois and history of Edgar County, Part 140

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


USA > Illinois > Edgar County > Historical encyclopedia of Illinois and history of Edgar County > Part 140


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WALTER S. BURT, assistant cashier First


National Bank, Paris, Ill., was born in Edgar County, Ill., May 9, 1864, the son of Milton M. and Charity Burt, natives of Ohio. He was . educated in the public schools at Paris, Ill., and on Oct. 3, 1889, was married to Alice C. Mitchell, who was born in Paris, Ill., where she also received her educational training. Mr. and Mrs. Burt are the parents of three chil- dren: Ross M., Mary L., and Madge S. In political sentiment Mr. Burt is a Republican, and in fraternal relations is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, Court of Honor, and Elks. He has been connected with the First National Bank, Paris, Ill., since 1881.


CALEB CARROLL, an Edgar Connty pioneer of 1863, and the owner of a valuable farm of eighty acres in Embarras Township, was born in County Kings, Ireland, in 1843, a son of John and Bridget Carroll, natives of the same part of the island. Mr. Carroll began life in his adopted country with little of a worldly nature, and his success as a general farmer and stock-raiser is due solely to his own good judgment and well-directed industry. In Jan- nary, 1878, he was nnited in marriage with Annie, daughter of Patrick McGruder, of Ire- land, and of this union four children have been born: John J., Coles, Rosie, and Paul. A Democrat in politics, Mr. Carroll is liberal in his tendencies, and is a generous donater to the Catholic Church, of which his family also are members.


DENNIS CARROLL, brother of Caleb Car- roll, with whom he came to Edgar County, Ill., in 1863, and owner of a farm of 115 acres in Embarras Township, is a native of County Kings, Ireland, and was born in 1838. His parents, John and Bridget Carroll, also were natives of County Kings. Mr. Carroll had the advantage of a strong constitution and a com- mon school education when he arrived in America at the age of twenty-five. He has always devoted his energies to general farming and stock-raising, and his industry and good judgment have brought him deserved success. Politically a Democrat, he has never desired or been willing to accept local office. In July, 1867, he was united in marriage with Anna, daughter of Patrick and Margaret Nolan, natives of County Kildare, Ireland, and who are long since deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Car- roll have been born five children, four of whom


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HISTORY OF EDGAR COUNTY.


are living: Margaret A., Delia B., Thomas J., and James P. The family are members of the Roman Catholic Church.


EDWARD CARROLL, the first of three brothers to locate in Edgar County, Ill., was born on the old homestead in County Kings, Ireland, in 1837, a son of John and Bridget Car- roll, the former of whom died in Brocton, and the latter in her native land. Mr. Carroll sailed to the United States in 1858, and the same year located in Edgar County, where he was first employed as a farm hand by the month. By the end of three years he had accumulated a competence, and was in a posi- tion to become a land owner in his own right, purchasing the nucleus of his present farm of 510 acres. Located in both Embarras and Shiloh Townships, the years have brought many changes to the once crude property, the owner having transformed it into a modern and productive farm, equipped with fine buildings. good fences, and practical agricultural imple- ments. A Democrat in politics, Mr. Carroll has served as School Director and Road Overseer. He is a member of the Roman Catholic Church. May 6, 1862, he married Catherine O'Mare, who, like himself, is a native of County Kings, Ireland, and who is the mother of nine chil- dren, seven of whom are living: Caleb J., Mary A., Elizabeth, Delia F., Thomas, Michael W., and Edward J.


PATRICK CARROLL, farmer, Buck Town- ship, Edgar County, Ill., was born in Ireland, March 17, 1836, son of John and Bridget Car- roll, who were also natives of the Emerald Isle. In 1861 the father, accompanied by his son Patrick, came to America and located in Edgar County, Ill., where he died at the venerable age of ninety-three years. The subject of this sketch owns 260 acres of land in Buck and Shiloh Townships and has always been engaged in general farming and stock-raising. In April, 1862, he was married to Miss Mary Bright, and to them five children have been born, three of whom-Mary, Catherine and Elizabeth-are living. In politics Mr. Carroll is a Democrat and has served as School Direc- tor for many years. He is a member of the Catholic Church.


JOHN W. CASH, farmer, Buck Township, Edgar County, Ill., was born in the county where he now resides, Sept. 5, 1840, son of


John and Sally Cash, natives of Virginia, who came with team and wagon from their native State to Edgar County, Ill., in 1834. Mr. Cash owns an 80-acre farm in Buck Township, and is engaged in general farming and stock-rais- ing. On Feb. 18, 1864, he married Susan R. Kemper, and to them six children have been born: Mary C., Charles H., Allen V., John L., Lulu V., and William L. Politically Mr. Cash is a Democrat and has served as School Direc- tor. He is a member of the Baptist Church.


COL. TERRENCE CLARK, who resides in Paris, Ill., is one of the extensive land-owners of Edgar County, Ill. His birth occurred in Monroe County, Ohio, May 17, 1839, his parents being Sarsfield and Jane (Atkinson) Clark, natives of Ohio County, Va., and Monroe County, Ohio, respectively. Colonel Clark first came to Edgar County in 1857, but did not locate there permanently until 1859. His parents and two sisters came to this county in 1860, the father farming in Ross Township until his death, which occurred Oct. 3, 1885, at the age of eighty-five years. Colonel Clark received his education in the common schools of Ohio, and on attaining manhood engaged in farming for himself. On May 17, 1861, he was married to Martha Smith of Ridge Farm, Ill., and three children have been born to them: Jessie, who died at the age of seven years; Harry, died in his twenty-first year; and Cora, wife of Harry Epps, a prominent business man of Metcalf, Ill. In 1862 Colonel Clark raised a company of volunteers, in the neighborhood of Ridge Farm, which became Company A of the Seventy-ninth Illinois Infantry. He was appointed Captain of this company, and par- ticipated in most of the battles of the regiment and served until 1865. At the battle of Chick- amauga he was captured and confined in the famous Libby Prison from Sept. 29, 1863, until Feb. 9, 1865. He was one of the leaders of the anita meghan "Tunnel Party" who mined their way out of Xin guic a the prison to liberty. In the course of events . he was promoted to Major after the battle of Chickamauga, and to that of Colonel after the fall of Atlanta. He is a stanch Republican and a member of the Masonic Order, I. O. O. F., and G. A. R. He is Vice-President of Edgar County Bank at Paris, Ill., and his estates aggregate 3,400 acres of land, which is dis- tributed in the townships of Young America. Shiloh, and Ross.


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HISTORY OF EDGAR COUNTY.


N. S. COE, farmer, Ross Township, Edgar County, Ill., was born in Wirt County, W. Va., July 28, 1854, son of Brainard and Margaret Coe, natives of Virginia, who in 1865 came to Vermilion County, Ill., locating south of Ridge Farm, where they both died. In 1875 N. S. Coe settled on his present 160-acre farm, upon which he had made all the improvements. In 1882 he married Katie Kenton, and of the chil- dren born to them, two-Frank and Mary-are now living. Mr. Coe's first wife died in 1896, and in 1898 he married Martha Porter, of Nay- lor, Mo., and they have one daughter, Vivian. Mr. Coe is a Republican in political sentiment, and served as Commissioner of Highways from 1887 to 1899; also served as School Director two years. Fraternally he is a member of the K. P., M. W. A., and Tribe of Ben Hur, each of his lodges being located at Chrisman.


WILLIAM H. COLWELL, farmer, Buck Township, Edgar County, Ill., was born in Edgar County, Jan. 15, 1872, son of Franklin and Sarah J. ( Hunter) Colwell, natives respect ively of Orange County, N. Y., and Edgar County, Ill. Both parents are now deceased. For several years Mr. Colwell has been exten- sively engaged in farming and breeding pedi- greed stock in Buck Township, making a spe- cialty of Short-horn and Double . Standard Polled Durham cattle and Poland-China hogs. He also owns land in both Embarras and Kan- sas Townships, his holdings in all amounting to about 400 acres. On March 8, 1893, he was married to Adda Burnett, daughter of Welcome and Anna E. (Miles) Burnett, natives respect- ively of Edgar County, Ill., and Sullivan County, Ind., and of this union there have been four children, one of whom is deceased. Those living at the present time are: Margaret, Frank Burnett, and Jane Hunter. Mr. Colwell belongs to the Masonic Order and the B. P. O. E .; is affiliated with the Republican party, and is a member of the Christian Church.


JOHN CONDON, farmer and stock raiser of Shiloh Township, Edgar County, Ill., was born April 1, 1844, in County Wexford, Ireland, a son of Mathew and Alice Condon, both of whomn spent their entire lives in Ireland. Conscious of the limitations by which he was surrounded in his native land, John Condon immigrated to the United States May 1, 1866, and in March, 1868, arrived in Edgar County. Beginning at


the bottom round of the ladder, and having scarcely any means at his disposal, he bas suc- ceeded in accumulating an estate of 1,084 acres, upon which he has made fine improve- ments, and devotes his attention to general farming and stock-raising. Although opposed to office holding, Mr. Condon has served as School Director for three terms, and as School Trustee for a number of years, invariably vot- ing the Democratic ticket. He is a member of the Catholic Church.


JOHN J. CORZINE, known as a merchant, and breeder of fine horses and Poland-China hogs, is one of the leading men of Isabel, of which he has been a resident since the founda- tion of the town, and with the upbuilding of which his family has been intimately con- nected. Born in Guernsey County, Ohio, July 25, 1852, he is a son of John and Isabel Corzine, the former a native of Pennsylvania, and the latter of Ohio. John Corzine took up land in Embarras Township in 1869, and when the village now known as Isabel was started, its name was a tribute to the worth and womanly character of his wife, Isabel, now deceased. John J. Corzine embarked in merchandising at an early stage of his career, having been trained in the public schools, where he proved an apt pupil, and on the home farm, where he evidenced practical and money-making ten- dencies; was also a teacher for a number of years. On his farm have been bred some of the best horses and Poland-China hogs in the state, and he takes particular pride in main- taining a high standard in these directions. As a merchant he is sagacious and obliging, and for four years added to his responsibility that of Postmaster of Isabel, a position due to his Republican tendencies. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Before her mar- riage in 1881, Mrs. Corzine was Celia R., daugh- ter of John W. Winn, of Ohio, and she is the mother of six children: Edna, L., John Ray, Harlin W., May Isabel, Bruce W., and Bernice M. The children are all living at home, and it is the intention of their parents to give them every possible advantage of school ere they embark upon independent careers, or are estab- lished in homes of their own. Mr. Corzine is a broad minded, well informed, and popular merchant, his success being due to his own efforts, and his ability to see and take advan- tage of waiting opportunity.


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HISTORY OF EDGAR COUNTY.


JOHN F. CRAWFORD .- As the . continuous occupation of his life, John F. Crawford has made a practical study of farming and stock- raising, and his farm of 480 acres in Embarras Township, presents an example of intelligently applied agricultural knowledge. Mr. Crawford is one of the younger farmers of his neighbor- hood, having been born near Oakland, Coles County, Ill., August 9, 1874, his parents being John G. and Virginia Crawford, natives of Vir- ginia and Missouri respectively, the former of whom is still living. November 21, 1894, he was united in marriage to Laurietta Grimm, daughter of Henry Grimm, the latter a native of Germany, and an arrival in the United States of 1850. During the Civil War, Mr. Grimm espoused the cause of the Union, serv. ing throughout the campaign in an Illinois regi. ment. To Mr. and Mrs. Crawford have been born four children: Charles H., John H., Hugi G., and Glen T. A Republican in politics, Mr. Crawford is a stanch upholder of the best tenets of his party, and is prominent in frater- nal circles, being a member of the Masons, and the Brocton Lodge No. 297, 1. O. O. F. The family is identified with the Methodist Episco- pal Church.


JAMES W. CRYDER, Circuit Clerk, was born Jan. 30, 1868, in Buck Township, Edgar County, Ill., a son of John and Rebecca ( Cry- der) Cryder, the former born in Franklin County, Ohio, and came to Edgar County in the fifties, where he engaged in farming until his death, which occurred in April, 1885, his wife dying in 1875. Their family comprised ten children, four of whom were boys. James W., who was the seventh child in order of birth, spent his youth on a farm, receiving his education in the public schools. He aban- doned farming in 1890 and turned his atten- tion to the grain business in Brocton, in which he is still interested. In November, 1900, he was elected Clerk of the Circuit Court, which position he still retains. On July 23, 1890, he was married to Willeffa, a daughter of W. C. Sudduth, and to them have been born the fol- lowing four children: J. Willard, Blanche, Mabel, and Thelma. Mr. Cryder is a member of the Christian Church and socially is con- nected with the following fraternal orders: Masons, Odd Fellows, and Elks.


WILLIAM G. CULBERTSON (deceased) was born in Fleming County, Ky., August 22, 1817,


son of James and Sarah ( Weaver) Culbertson, who were also natives of the Blue Grass State, but of Scotch ancestry. The subject of this sketch came to Edgar County in 1836 and entered 160 acres of land in Symmes Town- ship, where he remained until 1847, when he removed to Buck Township, making a settle- ment on wild prairie land and succeeded in accumulating a valuable estate. He devoted his attention largely to stock-raising, and brought the first Short-horn cattle and the first imported Norman horses into Edgar County; also introduced the first Southdown sheep into the county, bringing them from his native State (Kentucky). Mr. Culbertson was one of the pioneer farmers who plowed with a wooden mold board and reaped with a sickle. 111 1848 he married Nancy Ledgerwood, dauglı- ter of William and Catharine (Jenkins) Led- gerwood, pioneers who located in Indiana while it was still a territory. Eight children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Culbertson, four of whom-Elizabeth, Blanche, Florence and Ed- ward-are now living. Mr. Culbertson was a Republican in politics, and in religious belief a Presbyterian. He died March 9, 1897.


WILLIAM J. CULBERTSON (deceased) was born in Buck Township, Nov. 30, 1851, and was the eldest son of William G. and Nancy (Ledgerwood) Culbertson, both natives of Kentucky, who came to Edgar County, in 1836, where they were for many years important factors in the county's growth and upbuilding. Mr. Culbertson was reared on the home farm, and, upon arriving at maturity, followed the occupation of farming for several years; later he was engaged in the grain business both at Mays and Vermilion. He died May 14, 1903. On October 22, 1888, he was married to Miss Pauline, a daughter of Nathaniel and Angeline L. Townsend, natives respectively of New York and Massachusetts and settlers of Texas, where Mrs. Culbertson was born. Two children were born of this union, Louise and Jamie. Mr. Culbertson was a member and elder of the Pres- byterian Church, and in his political belief was a Republican. Fraternally he was affiliated with the Masonic Order.


CHARLES W. CURL, retired farmer, Paris, Ill., was born in Union County, Ohio, May 2, 1.845, son of Dr. Jeremiah and Sarah (Wilson) Curl, who were also natives of the Buckeye


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HISTORY OF EDGAR COUNTY.


State. Dr. Jeremiah Curl was a graduate of Sterling Medical College, Columbus, Ohio, and practiced his profession at Marysville, same State, until 1856, when he removed with his family to Paris, Ill., where he continued in the same line of business until his death, which occurred in November, 1874. The subject of this sketch was reared in Paris, Ill., remaining there until twenty-one years of age, and in the meantime obtained his educational training in the public schools of that city. When seven- teen years of age, he enlisted in Company G, Seventieth Illinois Volunteer Infantry and served four months. At the time of his fath- er's death in 1874, he inherited one-seventh of the Dr. Jeremiah Curl estate of 142 acres in Buck Township. He is now the owner of the entire estate, besides eighty acres, which he subsequently purchased in the same township. On May 23, 1866, Mr. Curl was married to Mary E. Coughanowr, and they became the parents of four children, viz .: Minnie, who died in infancy; Mabel H., now Mrs. Raymond Mattingly; Jeremiah W., who married Dorothy Mattingly; and Estella, wife of Charles Adams. In politics Mr. Curl is a Republican; has served as Township Clerk, and held the office of School Director for thirty years. Fraternally he is a member of the Masonic Order and A. O. U. W. He and his wife are members of the Baptist Church. Mr. Curl is also a member of Dreskell Post No. 209 G. A. R., and is president of the Edgar County Farmers' Institute.


ISAAC H. CURTIS was born August 7, 1826, in what was at that time Wayne Township, Edgar County. His parents, Joseph and Han- nah (Shelby) Curtis, both natives of Ohio, were married at the home of the bride's parents (David and Mary Shelby), near Circleville, Pickaway County, Ohio. Joseph Curtis was born in New Jersey, and when quite young came with his father to Adams County, Ohio, where he lived until 1818, when he removed to Edgar County, Ill. He was a Methodist preacher and assisted in organizing the First Methodist Society in Edgar County, and was the first president of the first Agricultural Society of the county. He also started a nurs- ery four and a half miles northeast of Paris, which rapidly enlarged and was carried on by his sons, becoming one of the most important business enterprises of its kind in this part of the State. One of his sons, Benjamin, became


a prominent horticulturist. Mrs. Hannah (Shelby) Curtis was a native of Pennsylvania and came with her father to Pickaway County, Ohio, where she resided until after her mar- riage. The subject of this sketch was employed in his father's nursery until he was twenty years old, when he turned his attention to


ISAAC H. CURTIS.


farming, pursuing that industry most success- fully until his retirement from business in 1900. He still owns two farms, one consisting of 259 acres of fine prairie land in Edgar Township, and another of 140 acres in Elbridge Township. On October 11, 1849, he was mar- ried to Miss Rachel Lawrence, a daughter of John G. Lawrence, an early settler of Edgar County. Mr. and Mrs. Curtis are the parents of the following ten children: Orlando, Joseph, John, Isaac, Charles, Elizabeth, Maria (wife of Dr. H. H. McKennan), Rachel (Mrs. George C. Mitchell), Sarah (Mrs. Frank Moss), and Nel- lie G. (Mrs. Wilbert Jenkins). In politics Mr. Curtis is a Republican.


HAMILTON N. CUSICK, shoemaker of Broc- ton, Ill., was born March 17, 1841, in Edgar County, Ill. He was the son of John B. and Hettie R. (Utter) Cusick, natives of Tennes- see who came to Edgar County in 1834. Mr.


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HISTORY OF EDGAR COUNTY.


Cusick was reared on a farm and followed the business of farming until 1861, when he enlisted in Company K, Thirty-fourth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, in which regiment he served until discharged in December, 1863. He was wounded while participating in the battle of Shiloh. Two brothers of Mr. Cusick were also in the Union army. Upon his return from the war he engaged in shoemaking, and has followed that trade continuously to the present time. On June 28, 1863, he was married to Miss Mary E. Sims, daughter of William G. Sims, a native of Tennessee who settled in Edgar County, about 1833 or 1834. To Mr. and Mrs. Cusick five children have been born as follows: Hettie A. (deceased), Sarah A., Adah L., Newell V. and Ella M. Mr. Cusick is a member of Broc- ton Lodge, I. O. O. F., of Brocton, and is affil- iated with the Methodist Episcopal Church. Politically he is a Republican.


SAMUEL F. DEAN, a merchant of Isabel, was born July 29, 1855, in Scott County, Ind., his parents being Zachariah and Emily J. ( Fol- som) Dean, who were natives of Ohio and Indiana respectively. He located in Edgar County in 1864, and there followed farming and stock raising until 1899, when he embarked in the mercantile business at Isabel. In 1901 he was appointed Postmaster of that town, an office which he still holds. He is a Republi- can, and has been a member of the County Central Committee for eight years. Socially he is a member of Brocton Lodge No. 297, I. O. O. F., and the Modern Woodmen of America. In his religious belief he is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. On June 26, 1878, Mr. Dean married Mary A., a daughter of Carlos and Anna Kelsey of New York, and to them nine children have been born, of whom one is deceased. Those living are as follows: Elizabeth, Etta K., Emily L., Byron F., How- ard K., Raymond F., Hellen, and Zachariah.


BENJAMIN DICKSON, one of the long familiar and substantial farmers of Ross Township, Edgar County, Ill., is a native son of the state, and was born in Vermilion County, Nov. 7, 1829. His parents, James and Patsy Dickson, were born in Kentucky, and at an early day came to Vermilion County, taking up government land upon which their son lived until able to manage his own property. The youth then took up land in his own name,


added to it from time to time, and now has 280 acres which he devotes to general farming and stock-raising. In 1851 he was united in marriage to Martha Spicer, who died in 1872, leaving 8 children, four of whom are living. For a second wife Mr. Dickson married Mrs. Sarah J. McMillan, and of this union there are three sons, Ollie P., Charley and Elmer. Mr. Dickson is one of the public spirited and influ- ential men of his neighborhood, taking a lead in religious and political affairs, and, in the former capacity, donated land upon which the Mount Olive 'Methodist Episcopal Church was erected. He is a Democrat in politics, and fraternally is connected with the Masons.


E. H. DINSMORE, one of the prosperous and popular farmers of Ross Township, Edgar County, Ill., was born Sept. 6, 1857, in Edgar Township, this county, a son of George O. and Annetta Dinsmore, mention of whom may be found elsewhere in this work. In his youth Mr. Dinsmore attended the public schools of Ross Township, receiving at home a thorough agricultural training, and in 1882 located on his present farm 120 acres. He is engaged in general farming and stock-raising, and attri- butes his success to energy and perseverance, and the application of common sense rules of life. April 3, 1883, he was united in marriage with Sarah A. Tustison, of which union eight children have been born: Robert E., George O. (deceased), Mary A., Harry H., Frank A., Mable, Madge, and Katherine K. In politics a Republican, Mr. Dinsmore is a member of the Nestor Lodge No. 246, K. of P., and the Modern Woodman of America, both of Chrisman.


GEORGE 0. DINSMORE, farmer, Ross Township, Edgar County, Ill., was born at Windham, N. H., July 7, 1828, son of Hon. J. T. G. and Mehitabel (Mellon) Dinsmore, who were also natives of the Granite State. In 1852 George O. Dinsmore came west, locating in Edgar County, where, for three years, he was engaged as a clerk in a mercantile estab- lishment at Bloomfield, and for four years in partnership with N. B. Stage in the stock busi- ness and general farming. During the winters of 1858-59 and 1859-60, he taught school in the vicinity of Bloomfield. In 1860 he purchased his present farm of 320 acres, which was then all wild prairie land that Mr. Dinsmore after- wards broke with an ox team, but is now one


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HISTORY OF EDGAR COUNTY.


of the most desirable homesteads in Edgar County. In October, 1852, Mr. Dinsmore was married to Annette E. Hazelton, a native


GEORGE O. DINSMORE.


of New Hampshire, who died in 1866 leaving five children: Abbie, Emory H., John T. G., George H. and Sadie. In 1869 he married Fanny Choat, who was also a native of New Hampshire. In politics Mr. Dinsmore is a Republican, and, when Edgar County went into township organization, was elected the first Town Clerk of Edgar Township; has also served as School Trustee eighteen years; the same number of years as Road Commissioner, and was Township Assessor one year. Frater- nally he belongs to the Masonic Order at Chris- man. He is a communicant of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Mt. Olive in which he has served as steward and trustee for many years.




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