Historical encyclopedia of Illinois and history of Edgar County, Part 146

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

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MATTHEW MERKEL, farmer, Buck Town- ship, Edgar County, Ill., was born in Baden, Germany, Oct. 21, 1838, and came to the United States in 1861, landing at New Orleans. A few years later he removed to Buck Township, Edgar County, and has since been identified with the interests of that community, more particularly those devoted to agricultural pur- suits. He now owns 154 acres of land in Buck Township. On May 2, 1870, he married Mar- garet Waller, daughter of William and Mar- garet (Grimm) Waller, pioneer settlers of Buck Township. Mr. and Mrs. Merkel have been blessed with eleven children, nine of whom are living at the present time, viz .: Helen J., Wil- liam B., Francis E., Clotilda T., Elizabeth A .. Gertrude P., Catherine J., Florence M. and

Elnora. In political views Mr. Merkel is a Democrat, and has served as School Director for three years; has also acted as Pathmaster for five years He is a member of the Catholic Church.

Z. E. METCALFE, meat dealer at Brocton, town and country property owner, and well known Democratic politician and fraternalist, was born in Edgar County, Ill., April 28, 1870, a son of Simpson and Isabelle Metcalfe, men- tion of whom may be found on another page of this work. Reared to farming pursuits in his youth, Mr. Metcalfe followed that occupa- tion until 1887, since which time he has catered to a growing meat business in Brocton. For the past eight years he has served as Alderman, and for two years was Assessor of Brocton. Mr. Metcalfe is a member of the Brocton Lodge No. 297, I. O. O. F .; the Clover Leaf Lodge No. 557, K. of P .; the Court of Honor, No. 175, M. W. A .; and the Rebeccas. His marriage to Mae Boaz, daughter of John Boaz, of Kentucky, was solemnized September 8, 1897, and F. B., living at home, is the sole survivor of three children. The family are members of the Christian Church. Mr. Metcalfe profits by a thorough knowledge of his business, by con- sideration and tact in dealing with the pur- chasing public, and by a record as a straight- forward and public spirited politician.

MRS. ISABELLE METCALFE comes of a family established in Edgar County as early as 1820, her father, Levi Maynard, bringing his family overland from 'Tennessee, and entering land from the government upon which he erected the first hewed log house in Paris. He became a prominent and influential man, con- tributing to the law and order of the com- munity in many ways, and serving as Justice of the Peace and Constable for seven years. At the time of his death he was the owner of the large farm in Embarras Township which had been his home for many years, and from which he wandered only when his various politi- cal offices necessitated his living elsewhere. He was a member of the Christian Church. His daughter, Isabelle, was married to John S. Metcalfe Nov. 8, 1867, Mr. Metcalfe having come to Edgar County from Kentucky with his par- ents. Besides Zachariah E., those of the eight children born to Mr. and Mrs. Metcalfe now living are: Thomas R., Sanford D., Daisy P. and Winfield H.

744

HISTORY OF EDGAR COUNTY.

EMANUEL MEYERS (deceased ), who became a resident of Buck Township, Edgar County, Ill., in 1848, and, through industry and good management, accumulated the farm of 500 acres upon which his death occurred May 8, 1897, was a native of Lancaster County, Pa., born September 10, 1826. At the age of eighteen years he left the home farm in Penn- sylvania and made his way to Indiana, but,

EMANUEL MEYERS.

after a short stay, came, in 1848, to Edgar County, Ill., soon after finding employment as a farm-hand at $4 a month and keep. The money thus saved started him upon his inde- pendent career, and he rapidly rose to be a large land owner and an active participant in the general undertakings of his township. December 11, 1852, he married Miss Mary Hisey, born in Dauphin County, Pa., March 16, 1832, and who came to Edgar County in 1847. To .Mr. and Mrs. Meyers were born nine children, seven of whom are living: Lydia A .. Rebecca A., Sidney E., Ella E., Charles S., Mil- ton D., and Mary A. Since the death of her husband Mrs. Meyers has lived in the village of Redmon, where she has a large circle of friends, and where she is active in the work of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

MILTON D. MEYERS, farmer, Buck Town- ship, Edgar County; born in the township where he now resides, Oct. 5, 1851, son of Emanuel and Mary (Hisey) Meyers, natives of Pennsylvania and early settlers of Edgar County, Ill. Milton D. Meyers owns ninety acres of land in Buck Township, and is engaged in general farming and stock-raising. On May 6, 1886, he was married to Celia R. Bollar, daughter of Curtis and Harriet (Corzine) Bol- lar, natives of Ohio but now residents of Edgar County, Ill. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Meyers, Mary I. and Maxwell S. In politics Mr. Meyers is a Democrat, and is now serving as Drainage Commissioner of Dis- trict No. 9. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

SIDNEY E. MEYERS, farmer of Redmon, Edgar County, Ill., was born in the county where he now resides, Feb. 29, 1864, the son of Emanuel and Mary ( Hisey ) Meyers, natives of . Pennsylvania, but who had come to Edgar County in 1852. Emanuel Meyers, the father, is now deceased, but the mother is still living and resides at Redmon. Mr. Meyers owns 200 acres of land located in Buck and Embarras Townships, and his attention is mainly given to looking after his farming interests. He was married December 11, 1895, to Maude O. Exline, daughter of Allen and Emma M. (Farquer) Exline, and to them one daughter has been born, Marie. In political opinions Mr. Meyer's is a Democrat, and in religious belief a Meth- odist.

JOHN H. MITCHELL, farmer and stock- raiser of Prairie Township, Edgar County, Ill., and owner of 230 acres of rich land, is a native son of this county, having been born in Edgar Township, January 12, 1844, the son of Joseph and Sarah A. Mitchell. The breaking out of the Civil War found Mr. Mitchell busily employed on his father's farm, and in 1862 he enlisted in Company A, Seventy-ninth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, serving until his honorable discharge in 1865, with the rank of third ser- geant. Returning to Prairie Township, he engaged in farming for five years, moving then to Chrisman, where he engaged in the grain and implement business for seven and a half years. Since then he has operated his present farm, raising general produce and stock. On March 1, 1868, Mr. Mitchell was united in mar-

745

HISTORY OF EDGAR COUNTY.

riage with Lucinda Thompson, daughter of Simpson and Lucinda Thompson, and six chil- dren have been born of this union: Charles W., Laura A. (deceased), Fred J., Rosa, Ora and Nora. Mr. Mitchell's fitness for office has been recognized by his Republican associates, and he has served five years as Road Commis- sioner and three years as Assessor. Fraternally he is identified with the Masons and the Modern Woodmen of America.

MRS. MARY MITCHELL, a pioneer of 1859, and owner of a valuable farm north of Paris, Paris Township, Edgar County, Ill., was born April 18, 1844, in Highland County, Ohio, daughter of Thomas Dollarhide, also a native of the Buckeye State. Mrs. Mitchell was reared in the country, and owes her early education to its schools and her rugged constitution to its bracing air and healthful exercise. On May 19, 1864, she was united in marriage with James W. Mitchell, who was born in Pennsylvania, and who came to Edgar County, Ill., in 1859. Mr. Mitchell was a man of energy and resource, and until his death, which occurred June 3, 1880, was identified with large milling and farming interests in Paris Township. His farm north of Paris grew under his industry and good management to a paying and valuable property, a credit to the man and the community ot which he was an honored and useful member. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell, Mary M. and Alice C. Since her hus- band's death Mrs. Mitchell has continued to live on the old homestead, maintaining the excellent standard established by the indus- trious pioneer.

CAPTAIN SAMUEL MITCHELL (deceased) was born at Georgetown, Brown County, Ohio. March 4, 1827, and died May 10, 1896. His par- ents were Ensign Mitchell, Jr., and Elizabeth Calvin Mitchell who were natives of New York State. He was three years of age when his parents located in the village of Bloomfield, Edgar County, Ill. He was reared on his father's farm and received his education in the common schools .. On June 5, 1846, at the age of nineteen, Captain Mitchell enlisted in Company H, Fourth Illinois Infantry, under the command of General Zachary Taylor. For a period of six nicnths he was in the midst of considerable fighting and skirmishing; later lie was with the command of General Winfield Scott and participated in the battles of Vera

Cruz and Cerro Gordo. During one of these engagements he was seriously wounded and lamed for life. He was mustered out at New Orleans in June, 1847, when he returned to his father's home. In 1850 he traveled to Wiscon- sin, engaging in the business of selling horses. While at Baraboo, Wis., he exchanged his land warrant for 160 acres, which he later traded for 40 acres at Horace, near his old home. He added to this property until he had an estate of 420 acres, which he operated until 1861, when he organized a Company of Volunteers which was known as Company A and in which he was given the position of Second Lieuten- ant and assigned to the Twenty-fifth Regi- ment, Illinois Volunteer Infantry. His first skirmish was at Springfield, Mo .; later he took part in the battle of Pea Ridge, where he was promoted to the rank of Captain. The follow- ing are some of the engagements in which he participated: Corinth, Miss .; Champion Hills, Stone River, Monday Creek, Kenesaw Mountain, Chatahoochee, Atlanta, and Peach Tree Creek. Captain Mitchell was mustered out in Septem- ber, 1864, and in 1865 he organized Company B, which was assigned to the One hundred and fifty-fourth Illinois Infantry. He received the commission of Captain and was mustered out. in November, 1865. During his army career he participated in twenty-seven battles and 150 skirmishes. After the war he returned to his home, where he carried on the business of farming until 1882, when he retired to his fine home in Horace. In 1852 Captain Mitchell was married to Miss Martha M. Long, whose death occurred in 1858. One daughter, Emma, was born to them, but she died at the age of eighteen years. November 29, 1864, he was married to Miss Harriet J., a daughter of David and Jane ( Mears) Calvin, who were early settlers of Edgar County. Mrs. Mitchell was born in Edgar Township, and received a good education, and at one time taught school. Two children were born of this second mar- riage, Gertrude, who died when two years of age, and Herman Calvin, residing at home Captain Mitchell was a stanch Republican and served as Collector, Assessor and School Direc- tor. Fraternally he was a member of the Masonic Order and the G. A. R. In his religious belief he was a Baptist and was connected for many years with that church. Herman C. Mitchell married Miss Maud J. Tucker, and they have one daughter, Ellen Hersel.

746

HISTORY OF EDGAR COUNTY.

H. W. MONICAL, Superintendent public schools, Paris, Ill., was born near Martinsville, Ind., a son of James Madison Monical. He spent his youth on a farm, but, instead of fol- lowing that industry, turned his attention to educational pursuits, attending the State Nor- mal School at Terre Haute, from which he was graduated in 1887, and from the State Univer- sity at Bloomington, Ind., in 1890, after which he devoted a part of his time to teaching in Indiana and Illinois. In 1899 he went to Wes- ton, Oregon, where he became vice-president of the State Normal School, and in 1901 came to Paris, succeeding J. D. Shoop as Superintend- ent of City Schools. In 1897 Mr. Monical was united in marriage to Miss Laura Corbin, of New Harmony, Ind. He votes the Republican ticket, and is affiliated socially with the Masonic and Knights of Pythias fraternities.

EDWARD G. MORRIS, farmer, Kansas Town- ship, Edgar County, Ill., was born in Kansas Township, August 26, 1877, son of Joseph H. and Nancy J. Morris. He obtained his educa- tion in the public schools of Edgar County, and since attaining his majority has devoted his attention to farming and stock-raising. In addi- tion to his holdings in Kansas Township, Mr. Morris also owns considerable timber land in Coles County. On August 28, 1901, he was mar- ried to Alvira L., daughter of William and Esther Hunt, of Coles County, and of this union there is one son, Joseph H. In religious belief Mr. Morris is a Methodist, and in poli- tics affiliates with the Republican party.

HIRAM W. MORRIS, farmer, Kansas Town- ship, Edgar County, Ill., was born in the town- ship where he now resides, Feb. 11, 1872, the son of Joseph H. and Nancy J. Morris. He remained on the parental homestead until he reached his majority, and on December 6, 1899. was married to Ida B. Handley, daughter of Justin H. and Lucinda Handley of Embarras Township, Edgar County, and to them one son -Harry H .- has been born. In 1902 Mr. Mor- ris purchased sixty acres of land to which he has made subsequent additions until he now owns 120 acres, and devotes his attention prin- cipally to stock-raising. In political views he is a Republican, and has served his fellow- citizens as Road Commissioner and School Director. In religious belief he is a Methodist.

JAMES MORRIS (deceased), formerly a farmer in Kansas Township, Edgar County, Ill., was born in Wales, March 12, 1848, the son of John and Jane ( Morris) Morris, who were also born in Wales. He came to the United States in 1878, and in the same year located in Edgar County, Ill., where he engaged in farm- ing. In 1887 he was married to Miss Elizabeth Blood, a native of England, who died in Sep- tember, 1889, leaving one child, Harvey B., who was born Sept. 23, 1889. On March 24. 1892, Mr. Morris married for his second wife Luella Harmon, born in Illinois, the daughter of Arthur and Rebecca (Harmon) Harmon, and of this union there is one child, Esther, born Nov. 11, 1896. In political views Mr. Mor- ris was a Republican, and in religious faith a Methodist. He died July 19, 1900.

HIRAM W. MORRIS, farmer, Kansas Town- ship, Edgar County, Ill., was born in the town- ship where he now resides, Feb. 11, 1872, the son of Joseph H. and Nancy J. Morris. He remained on the parental homestead until he reached his majority, and, on December 6, 1899, was married to Ida B. Handley, daughter of Justin H. and Lucinda Handley of Embarras Township, Edgar County, and to them one son -Harry H .- has been born. In 1902 Mr. Morris purchased sixty acres of land in Kansas Town- ship, to which he has made subsequent addi- tions until he now owns 120 acres, and devotes his attention principally to stock-raising. In political views he is a Republican, and has served his fellow-citizens as Road Commis- sioner and School Director. In religious belief he is a Methodist.

JOSEPH H. MORRIS (deceased) was born at Raidner, Raidner Shire, England, May 7, 1833, the son of John and Jane Morris, and grew to manhood on the parental homestead. On March 25, 1856, being then in his twenty- third year, he left his native country for the United States, and on April 27th of the same year arrived at Columbus, Ohio, where he found employment with a farmer and mill-owner at $7 a month, but by giving strict attention to duties his wages were increased from time to time. On September 15, 1859, he was married to Miss Nancy Jane Spragg, of Otsego, Ohio, where they resided until 1864, when they came overland to Illinois, arriving in Edgar County on March 7 of the latter year, and first settled

747

HISTORY OF EDGAR COUNTY.

on the McCollum farm near Redmon. In 1868, Mr. Morris purchased his first farm consisting of eighty acres two miles north of Paris, and to this he made subsequent additions until at the time of his death his holdings embraced 640 acres. Mr. and Mrs. Morris were the parents of eleven children, of whom eight are now living; two died in infancy, and a daughter, Ella, died several years ago. Their surviving children are: Mrs. Ida C. Fell, Mrs. Ettie Goble, Mrs. Hattie Collier, Hiram W., Guy, Lulu, Oscar and Kyle. Mr. Morris was well

JOSEPH H. MORRIS.

· known throughout Central Illinois as a model farmer and a successful stock-raiser, while his acquaintance among stockmen extended over Illinois and adjoining states. As a neighbor and citizen he was highly esteemed for his ster- ling qualities, and his cordial greeting will be missed by many who numbered him among their valued friends as well as the home fire- side.

WILLIAM B. MORROW, farmer and stock- raiser of Shiloh Township, Edgar County, Ill., was born March 23, 1866, near where he now lives, a son of James and Sarah (Longhead) Morrow. The father, a native of Ohio, came, to Edgar County in 1861, and in 1862 enlisted in the Twelfth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, serv-

ing until 1865. His wife, a native of Illinois, is now deceased. Reared on a farm and edu- cated in the district schools, Mr. Morrow has followed farming all of his active life, and

WILLIAM B. MORROW.

now owns 360 acres of land, making a specialty of raising Hereford cattle and Poland-China hogs. February 4, 1892, he married Laura, daughter of William W. and Mary J. Young. natives of Indiana, and of this union has been born one daughter, Hortense. A Republican politically, he has served as Town Clerk three years. Mr. Morrow is a member of the Masonic order, and affiliates with the Cumberland Pres- byterian Church.

EDGAR MORTON, Superintendent of County Farm, Paris, Ill., was born in Elbridge Town- ship, Edgar County, Sept. 27, 1862, son of John and Minerva Morton. Mr. Morton remained at the parental homestead until 1888, when he removed to Paris and engaged in the coal and feed business. In 1898 he was appointed Superintendent of the County Farm, and still fills that important position much to the satis- faction of his constituents. On November 24. + Lerecul 1891, he was married to Cora Phillips, daughter of D. C. and Delia Phillips of Edgar County, and of this union there are two children, Wal-

748

HISTORY OF EDGAR COUNTY.

ter P. and Josephine. In political views Mr. Morton is a Democrat, and fraternally belongs to the Masonic Order and M. W. A.

WILLIAM MORTON was born on the farm which he now owns, a son of Benjamin and Jane (Stewart) Morton, natives of Ohio and Edgar County, "Illinois, respectively. The

paternal grandfather of William Morton came to Edgar County in 1854 and began farming in Elbridge Township, where his son Benjamin bought 180 acres of land on Section 26, to which he added, until in time it increased to 340 acres. He was a Democrat and active in behalf of his party. His family comprised four children, as follows: William, Mary, widow of George Hunter; Rufus, deceased; and Ellen, who is the wife of Benjamin Rhodes, a farmer. William Morton was reared on a farm and has since continued to follow that industry. He obtained his education in the public school of Nevius. In 1878 he was married to Virginia. a daughter of F. M. Brown, a minister of the Baptist Church. To Mr. and Mrs. Morton three children were born: Gerald, Glen, and Blanch. Mrs. Morton died in 1888, and in 1890 Mr. Mor- ton was married to Sarah Jane Vanarsdall, a daughter of Mrs. Ellen (York) Westerfield. Of this second union three children were born, Benjamin, Oran, and Alice. Mr. Morton is 2 Democrat and was a candidate for the office of County Treasurer on that ticket, but was defeated. He has also served his township as School Director, School Trustee, and for two terms as Supervisor. Fraternally he belongs to the Masonic Order.

LEANDER MUNSELL (deceased) was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, Feb. 5, 1793, son of Levi and Lucretia Munsell. The father was a native of Connecticut, a soldier in the Revolutionary War, and an early settler of Cincinnati. In 1832 the subject of this sketch moved to Paris, Ill., and was extensively engaged in mercantile enterprises; was also heavily engaged in con- tracting, having built the court houses in Edgar, Coles, Macon, and McLean Counties. On account of his extensive operations and the amount of credit he was compelled to ask and give, he acquired a large amount of personal property and considerable land. In 1852 he built the first steam flour-mill in Paris. Owing to the demand for land, occasioned by the con- struction of the Terre Haute & Alton Railroad, he disposed of a large portion of his holdings

and practically retired. In political views he was first a Whig and later a Republican. In 1840 he was elected a member of the Legisla- ture. His decided political opinions and great energy with which he pursued every undertak- ing, procured for him in an early day the nick- name "Old Tecumseh." He died July 9, 1862.

JOHN W. MURPHY, State's Attorney, Paris, Ill., was born near Paris, Edgar County, August 3, 1873, son of Joseph H. and Mary (Edgington) Murphy; attended school until eighteen years of age, and for three years thereafter was engaged in teaching. In 1895 he entered Kent College of Law (Chicago), graduating from that institution in 1897, when he returned to Paris, where he engaged in practicing his pro- fession. In political affiliations he is a Demo- crat, and, as a representative of that party, was elected State's Attorney of Edgar County in 1900. Fraternally Mr. Murphy is a member of Prairie Lodge No. 268, A. F. & A. M .; Edgar Chapter, No. 32; Austin Lodge, No. 664; I O. O. F .; Stella Chapter; Daughters of Rebecca; Eastern- Star, M. W. A., Tribe of Ben Hur, Eastern Illinois Erie No. 633 L. O. E. and Paris Lodge No. 812, Elks.

SIMON F. MYERS, farmer and stock-raiser, Stratton Township, Edgar County, Ill., was born in Green County, Ohio, December 2, 1852, the son of James and Elizabeth Myers, natives of Virginia and Ohio respectively, but who came to Stratton Township, Edgar County, in 1858. Twenty years later (in 1878) his parents removed to Paris, Ill., where the father died March 10, 1898, the mother having passed away several years earlier, or in February, 1893. Simon F. Myers obtained his education in Stratton Township, and, in his early man- hood embarked for himself, chosing the occu- pation of general farming and stock-raising, which he conducted so successfully that in addition to his home farm of 320 acres, he now owns 240 acres in Stratton Township and eighty acres in the State of Indiana. On April 10, 1879, Mr. Myers was married to Phoena Hartzell, daughter of Joseph and Jane Hartzell, and three children have been born to them: Owen, Verne and Hugar. Mr. Myers is an ardent Republican, and has served both as School Director and Road Commissioner. He and his wife are members of the Christian Church.

749

HISTORY OF EDGAR COUNTY.

GEORGE W. MYERS, County Treasurer ot Edgar County, Paris, Ill., was born in Shiloh Township, Edgar County, Ill., Feb. 24, 1861, son of William and Eliza (Sizemore) Myers; reared on his father's farm and obtained his education in the public schools and a com- mercial college at Terre Haute, Ind. On Feb- ruary 24, 1887 Mr. Myers was married to Mary

GEORGE W. MYERS.

Jones, daughter of William E. and Catherine (Patterson) Jones, of Shiloh Township, Edgar County, and of this union there are two chil- dren, William Cleveland and Asa Lee. Mr. Myers was elected Sheriff of Edgar County on the Democratic ticket in 1898, receiving a majority of seventy-eight votes over his oppo- nent. Served as County Sheriff until 1902, when he was elected County Treasurer and is still serving in that capacity; was Supervisor of Shiloh Township, Edgar County, two terms, and also served as Tax Collector. Fraternally Mr. Myers is a member of the Masonic Order and M. W. A., and in political sentiment is a Democrat.

HENRY F. NELSON, the popular abstracter, is a native of Ohio, and came to Paris with his parents when a small child. In 1850 he left the Town and did not return, excepting on briet visits, till 1876, since which time he has made

this his home. In 1883 he succeeded Calvin W. Levings in the loan business, which was estab- . lished by Mr. Levings in 1868. In 1889 Mr. Nelson commenced writing up a set of abstract books, which in several years were brought up to date, and which have since been kept up to date with the greatest care. By strict atten- tion to business, and fair and honorable deal- ing, he has secured the confidence of Eastern investors, and is popular with all who have dealings with him.

WARREN NEWCOMB, merchant and Post- master of Scott Land, was born March 18, 1854. on the farm of his parents, Charles and Mary J. Newcomb, in Edgar County, Ill. Reared to a country life and educated in the public schools, Mr. Newcomb married, Nov. 11, 1883, Mattie, daughter of Adam R. and Margaret (Walker) Mulholland, of Scott Land, and in 1887 started his present business in partnership with James A. Greenwalt. In 1888 he became

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois and history of Edgar County, Part 146

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