Historical encyclopedia of Illinois and history of Edgar County, Part 144

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

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firm name being Jenkins & Bennefield. Some of the best buildings in Paris, including the glass works, new Elks' building, and others, have been erected by them, as well as many fine residences. On Aug. 12, 1891, Mr. Jenkins was married to Miss Martha Walters, a native of Paris, and two sons have been born of this union-Cleo H. and Jran A. Fraternally he is a Mason, a member of the Tribe of Ben Hur, Modern American and Yoemen of Amer- ica. Politically he belongs to the Democratic party, and in his religious belief is a member of the Christian Church.

J. FRANK JENNINGS, physician and sur- in Sonora, Muskingum County, Ohio, Sept. 16, geon, Scott Land, Edgar County, Ill., was born 1870, the son of Dr. J. D. and Mary L. Jen- nings. The subject of this sketch completed his common school education at the age of eighteen, and for four years thereafter was employed as telegraph operator for the Bal- timore & Ohio Railroad Company, in the mean- time reading medicine with his father during his spare hours. In 1891 he matriculated at the Starling Medical College, from which he graduated in March, 1894. On Sept. 22 of the latter year he located in Scott Land, where he has since practiced his profession. On Nov. 26, 1896, he married May Pierce, daughter of Captain J. C. and Lydia B. Pierce, of Ridge Farm, and to them one son has been born- Dane C. The doctor is a Democrat in politi- cal views, and belongs to the Masonic Order.

JOHN W. JENNINGS, a grain dealer of Metcalf, Edgar County, Ill., was born Oct. 25, 1864, in Mercer County, Ky., a son of William A. and Charity (McClure) Jennings, natives of Kentucky, who came to Edgar County in 1877 and settled in the old village of Elbridge, where the father had a blacksmith shop for many years. He has now retired from busi- ness and is living with his son, the mother having died July 19, 1895. John W. spent his youth on a farm and received his education in the public schools of Kentucky and Illinois. At one time he worked by the month on a farm, but soon abandoned this and learned telegraphy and for a number of years was oper- ator and station agent on the Clover Leaf Rail- road at Cowden, Marion, Grand Rapids, Swazey, Ill., and other places. In 1894 he engaged in the grain business, working for

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HISTORY OF EDGAR COUNTY.

R. J. Smith at Metcalf; then went to Toledo, Ohio, where he remained one year, working for Paddock Hodg & Co., of that city, who are extensive grain merchants. In 1896 he started in business for himself at Melwood, Shiloh Township, where he bought an eleva- tor, and sold it in 1903. In 1901 he built the Watson elevator, which he also sold in 1903. Forming a partnership with C. M. Smith the same year, he built the Clover Leaf Elevator at Metcalf and, under the firm name of Jen- nings & Smith they carried on a profitable business for one year, when he bought Mr. Smith's interest, Sept. 6, 1904. He also owns a farm at Westfield, Clark County, Ill. Mr. Jennings was married in 1890 to Miss Eda E. Smith, a daughter of R. J. Smith, and they are the parents of three children-Clarence C., Arthur A., and Leonard L. Politically he is a Republican, and is at present serving as a Commissioner of his township. He is a mem- ber of the Modern Woodmen of America, Royal Neighbors, K. P., I. O. O. F., and the Masonic fraternity.

HARVEY JONES, prominent in agricultural and stock-raising circles of Young America Township, and owner of 560 acres on Section 9, was born June 27, 1837, in Clark County, Ohio, a son of David and Jane (Ellis) Jones. The home training and education of Mr. Jones was similar to that of the average country boy, and he started out in life with few assets of a convertible nature. He attributes much of his success to the economy and sympathy of his wife, who was formerly Mary C. Reck- nor, and whom he married in Ohio. Five children have been born of this union, of whom Charles died at the age of twenty-three; Bertha is the wife of John Schwart: William J. is a farmer in Edgar County, and Grant and Ellis P. also own and operate farms in Edgar County. Mr. Jones votes the Demo- cratic ticket in National affairs, and locally casts his ballot for the man best qualified to serve the public interests. He is a member of the Christian Church. The family of Mr. Jones is a highly respected and honored one, his sons being capable, progressive men, and his home one in which hospitality and good cheer abound.

OSCAR JONES, grain dealer, was born Nov. 30, 1860. near Stockholm, Sweden, a son of

Gustof and Eva (Anderson) Jones, who came with their family to America in 1865, settling in New York City, where they remained one year, subsequently coming to Fountain County, Ind., early in the year 1867. They resided in Covington until 1877, when they removed to Attica, where Mrs. Jones died in 1891; and Mr. Jones in 1904. Oscar Jones received his education in the schools of Attica and Cov- ington; later he took a commercial course in the Gem City Commercial College at Lafay- ette, on the completion of which, in 1880. he went to Chicago, remaining there for three months, thence going to Ridge Farm, Ver- milion County, where for two years he was in the employ of J. C. Pierce, a dealer in agricultural implements. Subsequently he was employed as bookkeeper for W. F. Banta, also assisting him in purchasing grain until 1886, when they formed a partnership. This part- nership was dissolved in 1894. Mr. Jones is the owner of elevators at Chrisman, Horace, Hume, and Hildreth, and is largely interested in the Electric Light Plant of Chrisman; also in real estate in various parts of the country. He resided at Horace and later in Paris, Ill., until 1891, when he removed to Chrisman, which has since been his home city. Mr. Jones was married on May 18, 1867, to Vallie, daugh- ter of Henry C. Fellows, and of this union four children have been born, as follows: Parke, Russell, Halford, and Nellie. He is a Democrat, and in religious belief a Baptist. Socially he is connected with the Masons, Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias, Modern Woodmen of America, Ben Hur, Court of Honor. Edgar County Protective Association, and the Odd Fel- lows' Benefit Association.

DR. WILLIAM S. JONES, physician and sur- geon, Redmon, Ill., was born in Edgar County, Ill., July 21, 1863, son of Lewis and Eliza B. (Shields) Jones, natives of Kentucky and Edgar County respectively. Lewis Jones, the father, located in Edgar County about 1840, where he and his wife still reside. William S. Jones was educated in the schools of Edgar County, where for ten years he was engaged in teaching. He graduated from the Kentucky School of Medicine in 1893, and in the same year began practicing his profession in Red- mon, where he has become one of the leading practitioners of that section of the county. On Aug. 25, 1886, he was married to Mary E. Henn,

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HISTORY OF EDGAR COUNTY.

and two sons have been born to them-Walter R. and Orion C. The doctor belongs to the Democratic party, and is a member of the Board of Trustees of Redmon and is also a

WILLIAM S. JONES.

member of the School Board. That he is an elder in the Baptist Church should occasion no surprise, as his grandfather, the Rev. Wil- liam Shields, was a pastor in the church of this denomination for over forty years. Fra- ternally he belongs to the I. O. O. F. and the M. W. A.

JOHN JUMP, a farmer and stock-raiser of Buck Township, Edgar County, was born in Wyandotte County, Ohio, March 16, 1835. His parents, Joshua and Susan (Carroll) Jump, were natives of Maryland, locating in Edgar County in 1852. He has passed the greater part of his time in general farming and stock- raising on his 200-acre farm in Buck Town- ship. In 1860 Mr. Jump was married to Miss Prudence A., daughter of Elias Morris, who was a native of Delaware, and settled in Edgar County in the year 1857. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Jump, two of whom died in infancy. Those living are Susan E. and William E. Mr. Jump served six years as Tax Collector and seventeen years as School

Director, and in 1903 was appointed Special County Commissioner of the Burnham Drain: has also served as Supervisor of Buck Town- ship. He is a Democrat in politics, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

STEPHEN JUMP .- Many years of devotion to farming and stock-raising have won for Stephen Jump the right to retire from active life. The owner of 165 acres of land in Em- barras Township, also town property worth $3,500, he has lived in this section since 1852, coming here with his parents, Joshua and Susan (Carroll) Jump, from Maryland, where he was born in January, 1832. He is of old Pennsylvania stock on both sides of his fam- ily, his parents as well as several of his grand- sires having been born in the Quaker State. The marriage of Mr. Jump occurred Jan. 27, 1867, with Savilla Handley, and of this union three children were born, all of whoni are deceased. In politics Mr. Jump is a Demo- crat, and in addition to other local offices served as Road Commissioner for three years. He is a member of the Brocton Lodge No. 279, I. O. O. F., and for many years has been an active member of the Methodist Episco- pal Church.

PERRY KAERICHER, blacksmith and car- penter, Brocton, Ill., was born in Wabash County, Ill .. July 16, 1837, the son of Perry and Sophia Kaericher, natives of Pennsylvania and New York respectively, who came to Illi- nois, settling in Wabash County about 1790. The subject of this sketch spent his youth on the home farm, later coming to Edgar County, where he has since devoted his time and attention to blacksmithing and farming. On Sept. 21, 1862, he married Sarah, daughter of Jacob Craver, of North Carolina, and to them eight children were born, those living being: Ira N., Charley E., Hulda A., Gideon J. and Emeline. Mrs. Kaericher died March 31, 1877. On Oct. 26, 1878, Mr. Kaericher mar- ried his second wife, Mrs. Rebecca Terry, widow of John A. Terry, of North Carolina, and daughter of Darman Ingraham, of Wabash County, Ill. Three children born of Mrs. Kaericher's former marriage are now living: Herman S., Matilda E., and Anna E. By her marriage with Mr. Kaericher there have been two children-Grover D., and one who is de- ceased. In his political views Mr. Kaericher

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HISTORY OF EDGAR COUNTY.

is a Democrat. He and his wife are mem- bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

WILLIAM B. KAERICHER, blacksmith, Brocton, Ill., was born in Wabash County, Ill., April 10, 1842, the son of Perry and Sophia A. ( Harrison) Kaericher, natives of Pennsyl- vania and Illinois respectively. On Oct. 10, 1861, he enlisted for service in the Union army, serving three years. With the excep- tion of the time thus occupied he has followed the trade of a blacksmith since his fifteenth year. On May 5, 1870, Mr. Kaericher was married to Mary M., daughter of David and Lydia Fishel, natives of North Carolina, and of this union two children have been born- Wallace A. and Mamie P. In his political views Mr. Kaericher is a Republican. He and his wife are members of the Moravian Church.

EDWARD WINSTON KELSHEIMER was born in Sullivan County, Ind., May 14, 1818, a son of John Kelsheimer, who was a native of Germany and came to the United States at an early date, turning his attention to farm- ing in Indiana. He was the third in a fam- ily of seven children; was reared on a farm, and received his education in the common schools. He was married in Indiana to Miss Temperance Desart, who died four years later. He then married in Edgar County, Ill., on Oct. 26, 1853, Miss Rebecca Smith, who was the daughter of Amos and Sallie (Martin) Smith. Mr. Smith was a native of New York, and his wife of Massachusetts. He came to Illinois in 1818, and five children composed the family, Mrs. Kelsheimer being the youngest child. To Mr. and Mrs. Kelsheimer twelve children were born, two dying in infancy; those living are: Pamelia, George, Emma, Mary, Charles, Martha, Benjamin F., Ida, Hagur H., and Lily. In addition to this large family, Mrs. Kelsheimer has reared several orphan children. She lives on the home farm, but rents the land to one of her sons. Mr. Kelsheimer was a successful farmer; in his political belief a Republican, and was a mem- ber of the Methodist Church from the age of twenty-five years. His death occurred Oct. 16, 1899.

SAMUEL KENTON, farmer, Ross Township, Edgar County, Ill., was born in Champaign County, Ohio, Dec. 15, 1830, the son of Mark

and Susannah Kenton, and a descendant of Simon Kenton, the Indian fighter. The sub- ject of this sketch came to Edgar County in 1852, locating on his present farm in 1853, where he has since been engaged in general farming and stock-raising. On Jan. 10, 1856, he was married to Mary Scott, and to them two children were born, both of whom are now de- ceased, their names being John W. and Susan (deceased wife of Stephen W. Thayer). A grandson, Fred K. Thayer, is living with Mr. Kenton. In politics Mr. Kenton is a Republi- can, and served one term as Supervisor of his township.

JOHN B. KERRICK, residing on Section 11, was born on his father's homestead, near his present home, Oct. 28, 1834, son of Stephen and Maria (Hadden) Kerrick, who were of English and Irish descent and natives, respec- tively, of Virginia and North Carolina, and came from Tennessee to Edgar County in 1832, where he entered forty acres and purchased an additional forty in Section 12, Elbridge Town- ship, where he followed farming until his death, which occurred in August, 1863. His family consisted of seven children, two of whom, Malinda and George H., died in 1863, the latter's death occurring in Andersonville Prison. The surviving children are: Martha A., who is married to Isaac Mapes; Caroline, widow of Stephen R. Howe; Sarah, wife of Hamilton Elliott; Mary Jane, wife of B. T Kerrick, and John B., who passed his early years on a farm and received his education in the public and private schools of Marshall, Ill. He owns a fine farm of 220 acres and carries on general farming, making a specialty of breeding Auroc Jersey hogs and Short Horn cattle. In 1879 he built his present residence, burning the bricks for the same on his prem- ises. In September, 1856, he was married to Miss Margaret Ray, who died eleven months later. His second marriage occurred in 1859, when he was united to Miss Elizabeth A. Par- rish, and four children were born of this union, three of whom are living, viz .: Frank, who manages his father's estate; Gusta, and Mary, the latter being the wife of Oscar Mc- Divitt, who conducts the old homestead for- merly owned by Stephen Kerrick. Mr. Ker- rick is a Democrat and very active in behalf of his party, having served sixteen years as School Director, three terms as Tax Collector,

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HISTORY OF EDGAR COUNTY.

two terms as Assessor, and one term as Super- visor. He has been associated fraternally with the Masons since 1866.

ROBERT H. KILE, cashier of the Edgar County National Bank, at Paris, is a native son of this town, and was born Dec. 24, 1859. His parents were Dr. William and Mary J. (Hoggatt) Kile. Mr. Kile began at the bot- tom round of the banking business in 1876, his industry and faithfulness securing constant promotion from collection clerk to that of cashier in 1889. In September, 1889, he mar- ried Lulu Rogers and they have two children, Walter T. and Mary C. A Republican in poli- tics, he is prominent fraternally, being iden- tified with the Knights of Pythias, the Mod- ern Woodmen of America, and the Tribe of Ben Hur.

WILLIAM KILE, M. D. (deceased), was born in Fayette County, Ohio, in October, 1809; was reared after the fashion of those pioneer times, and early manifested an incli. nation towards the medical profession, finally taking a course at the Cincinnati Medical Col- lege, from which he graduated. For a num- ber of years he practiced his profession at Clinton, Ind., but in 1853 settled in Paris, Ill., and there, having retired from the prac- tice of medicine, devoted his attention in later years to agricultural pursuits and stock-rais- ing. He was married to Charity Webster, and of this union four children were born. Mr. Kile's first wife died, and on March 3, 1859, he married as his second wife Mary J. Hog- gatt, daughter of Robert and Mary Hoggatt, of Vigo County, Ind. By his second marriage there were two children, Robert H. and Car- rie (Mrs. W. B. Beebe). Doctor Kile died Oct. 4, 1877.

JOSEPH G. KILGORE .- The highest tenets of medical and surgical science find expres- sion in the professional career of Joseph G. Kilgore, a practitioner of Vermilion, Edgar County, since 1890. Dr. Kilgore is a native son of Illinois, and was born in Stratton Town- ship, this county, Jan. 29, 1866. His parents, Joseph and Mary Kilgore, came from their na- tive State of Kentucky to Edgar County in 1831 and 1832 respectively, settling in Stratton Township, where they followed farming the

balance of their lives. The subject of this sketch was educated in the common schools, primarily; afterward studied for five years at De Pauw University, and graduated from the scientific department of the University of Ken- tucky with the degree of B. S. His profes- sional training was received at the Kentucky School of Medicine, in which he completed the course in 1888. During 1891 he took a post- graduate course in Chicago, Ill. April 4, 1889, Dr. Kilgore married Lulu E. McCloud, and they have a son, Floyd. A Republican in poli- tics, the Doctor served four years as Super- visor of Stratton Township, and in 1897 was appointed a member of the County Pension Board, a position he still maintains. He was Mayor of Vermilion for two years. Fratern- ally he is associated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern Wood- men of America. A member of the County Medical Society, he is also a member of the Aesculapian Medical Society of the Wabash Valley. Dr. Kilgore has an extensive prac- tice in Vermilion and throughout the township, his profound knowledge of his profession, his genial and kindly nature, his straightforward- ness and integrity insuring him the continued regard and appreciation of his townsmen.

ROBERT O. KIRBY, retired farmer, Paris, Ill., was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, the son of Thomas and Mary (Pearce) Kirby, natives of England. Mr. Kirby located in Edgar County about 1867, and engaged in farming in Paris Township, remaining in that locality until 1876, when he removed to Paris, his present abode, where his time is occupied in looking after his varied interests. In 1868 he was married to Virginia Foulke, daughter of Levi and Eliza (White) Foulke, natives respectively of Penn- sylvania and Washington, D. C. Mr. Kirby is independent in politics, and is active in aid- ing every good cause. He is a member of the Episcopal Church.

DAVID H. KNIGHT, farmer, Shiloh Town- ship, Edgar County, Ill., was born in the county where he now resides, Jan. 29, 1852, son of Silas and Elizabeth (Clem) Knight, who formerly resided in Ohio but came to Illinois in 1844 and located in Edgar County. Both of his parents are now living (1904). From his earliest manhood the subject of this sketch has followed farming and stock-raising, and

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HISTORY OF EDGAR COUNTY.

now owns 220 acres of excellent land in Shi- loh Township, Edgar County. On Jan. 9, 1879, he was married to Denie Hayes, daughter of Richard and Elizabeth Hayes, natives of Ire- land. Mr. and Mrs. Knight are the parents of nine children, viz .: Frances M., James R., Henry D., Pearl S., Lester, Ora D., Earnest E., Gertrude E., and Charles O. In religious be- lief Mr. Knight is a Methodist, and in politi- cal opinions is a Democrat; has served as School Director for three years.

HON. WALTER S. LAMON, County Judge of Edgar County, Paris, Ill .; born in Danville, Ill., Feb. 26, 1865, son of Hon. Robert B. and Lucy (Alexander) Lamon; graduated from the public schools when nineteen years of age, and then entered Columbian Law College, Wash- ington, D. C., completing a three years' course of study in that institution in 1890. Return- ing to Paris, Ill., he engaged in the practice of his profession until 1898, when he enlisted in the Fourth Illinois Volunteer Infantry for service in the late Spanish-American War, and served with his regiment in Cuba. He returned 10 Paris after the close of hostilities, and in November, 1902, was elected County Judge of Edgar County on the Democratic ticket. On March 23, 1903, he was married to Martha Varner, daughter of Caleb and Julia (Clark) Woodyard, of Paris, Ill.

ELMER O. LAUGHLIN, a physician and sur- geon of Paris, Ill., was born in Symmes Town- ship, Edgar County, Aug. 2, 1867. a son of David O. and Zibiah (Osborn) Laughlin, who were of Scotch-Irish descent. The father's birth took place on a farm in Edgar County, in 1833, while the mother was a native of Clay County, Ind. They became the parents of three children, Elmer O. being second in the family. He attended the local school and later the High School at Paris, Ill., from which he was graduated in 1886. He subsequently taught school and studied medicine in Edgar County; then attended the Ann Arbor (Mich.) Uni- versity one year, and for two years was a student in the Ohio Medical College, at Cin- cinnati, Ohio, where he was graduated in 1893. He commenced the practice of his profession in the same year at Paris, Ill., and has built up a large and ever-growing practice. Mr. Laughlin has shown great ability as a writer in contributing articles to Harper's Magazine,

the Youths' Companion, and other leading pub- lications. In 1898 he published a popular story of boyhood life entitled "Johnnie," which has had a large sale and which was reissued by the publishers in an elaborate new edition in 1903. He is a member of the Aesculapian Society of the Wabash Valley, the Illinois State Medical Society, the American Medical Asso- ciation, and the Western Association of Writ- ers. For several years he has represented the Second Ward in the City Council of Paris; is also a director of the Commercial Club, and secretary of the Carnegie Library Board of Trustees. In his religion he supports the Pres- byterian Church. He is a Republican in poli- tics. Dr. Laughlin was married in December, 1891, to Miss Annie Bergen, a daughter of E. T. and Lou (Yount) Bergen, who were natives of Kentucky, from where they moved in 1883. The Doctor and Mrs. Laughlin have one child. Margaret L.

WILLIAM H. LEACH, merchant, Redmon, Edgar County, Ill., was born in Lancaster County, Ohio, July 4, 1833, son of Alpha A. and Jane (Howell) Leach, natives respec- tively of Maryland and Ohio, who removed to Edgar County, Ill., in 1856, but are both now deceased. In 1857 the subject of this sketch came to Edgar County, Ill., where he followed farming and stock-raising until 1898, when ne engaged in the mercantile business at Red- mon, where he has since conducted a success- ful trade. On July 2, 1859, he married Mary A. Nail, and to them three children have been born: Isaac A., William O., and one child who is now deceased. Mrs. Leach died Nov. 22. 1878, and Mr. Leach afterwards married for his second wife Mary Dill, of Kentucky. Fra- ternally Mr. Leach is a member of the Ma- sonic order. In politics he is a Republican; and in religious belief a member of the United Brethren Church.

N. C. LEWIS, owner of a farm of 480 acres in Ross Township, Edgar County, Ill., member of the School Board for thirty years, and for- merly Assessor two terms and Tax Collector for the same length of time, besides holding other offices within the gift of his Republican townsmen, was born Jan. 1, 1834, in Parke County, Ind., a son of Isaac and Margaret (Shoemaker) Lewis, natives of Virginia. The parents of Mr. Lewis were reared and mar-

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HISTORY OF EDGAR COUNTY.

ried in Highland County, Ohio, removing to Indiana in 1830, where they spent the rest of their lives. N. C. Lewis had the average advantages of the farm-reared boy of his time, and, upon starting out on his wage-earning career, located in Ross Township, Edgar County, near Chrisman, Sept. 10, 1861. In 1864 he moved to his present farm, where he since has devoted his time and attention to general farming and stock-raising, making a specialty of the latter occupation, and for the most part shipping and selling his own stock. March 1, 1860, he married Margaret Overpeck, a native of Parke County, Ind., and whose death occurred Feb. 15, 1874. His second wife, whom he married July 29, 1875, was formerly Rachel M. Law, a native of Shelby County, Ind. Of the first union there were born three children: Laura, wife of Charles Hoult; Ella May, and Sadie, wife of W. E. Boon, of Chris- man. Three children were also born of Mr. Lewis' second marriage: George C., who mar- ried Ada Boston; John A., who married Miss Lillian Traphagan, Feb. 28, 1904, and Maggie L. Mr. Lewis is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and of the Cherry Point Methodist Episcopal Church.

IRA N. LILLEY, farmer, Buck Township, Edgar County, Ill., was born in Columbus, Ohio, Oct. 28, 1853, son of William B. and Julia E. Lilley, natives respectively of Vir- ginia and Muskingum County, Ohio, who came to Edgar County in 1864. The parents are both deceased. Ira N. Lilley owns a 90-acre . farm in Buck Township, and has always fol- lowed agricultural pursuits. On Sept. 15, 1875, he was married to Laura J. Rhoads, of Edgar County, and to them three children have been born: John W., Robert F., and one who is deceased. In politics Mr. Lilley is a Repub- lican. In religious views he is liberal.

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois and history of Edgar County, Part 144

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