Historical encyclopedia of Illinois and history of Hancock County, Volume II, Part 110

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897. cn; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913. cn; Currey, J. Seymour (Josiah Seymour), 1844-1928. 4n; Scofield, Charles J. (Charles Josiah), 1853- 4n
Publication date: 1921
Publisher: Chicago : Munsell Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1174

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In 1900 Mr. Hall was united in marriage with Miss Hattie M. Metzger, a daughter of Henry G. Metzger, president of the Plymouth State Bank. Mr. and Mrs. Hall have three children, namely : James Henry, Robert G., and Martha L. The family belong to the Presbyterian Church. An industrious, capable man, Mr. Hall brings to his work a liking for it, and a con- fidence in the future of his institution that are factors likely to work for his advancement.

HALL, James M., one of the highly respected men of Dallas City, has long been interested in agricultural matters in this and other counties. He was born in Logan County, Ill., March 2, 1845, a son of James M. and Maria (Strand) Hall, natives of Bourbon County, Ky., and Vir- ginia, respectively. After their marriage, they settled in Logan County, Ill., and there the father died before his son, James M., was born. The mother was later married (second) to Par- ker Hall, a cousin of her first husband, and she had one child by her second marriage, namely : Darius C., who is now deceased. Par- ker Hall died some years after the birth of his son, and Mrs. Hall was married (third) to Moses K. Anderson, who served in the Black Hawk War, with the rank of general. General Anderson was a native of Kentucky. He and his wife had the following children: John T., who died at the age of ten years; a daughter who died at the age of seven years; and Wil- liam, who is also deceased.

James M. Hill lived in DeWitt County, Ill., until he was nine years old, when he went to an uncle, Judge Jonathan P. Hall, who reared him. On December 16, 1869, Mr. Hall was married to Nancy J. Maddox, born in Logan County, Ill., April 5, 1850, a daughter of Thomas M. and Elizabeth (Teal) Maddox, born in Gibson County, Ill., who moved to Logan County, Ill.,

at an early day. After his marriage, Mr. Hall lived for a time on a farm in DeWitt County, Ill. This farm of eighty acres of land was all on the prairie and finely improved. In 1913, he came to Hancock County, buying an improved farm of 120 acres on sections 3 and 4, Durham Township, and also a residence at Dallas City. which he has since improved and modernized. He rents his farm, and is now living in retire- ment. Mr. and Mrs. Hall have one child, namely : Lulu H., who is Mrs. E. W. Dunham of Carthage. Mr. Hall is a member of the Chris- tian Church, of which he is now a deacon. A Democrat, he has served as a member of the school board and as road overseer, and he is held in the highest respect by all who know him.

HALL, Nathan K., now deceased, was one of the wealthiest farmers of Appanoose Township, and a man known all over this section of the state. He was born in Niagara County, N. Y., September S, 1814, and came to Hancock County at an early day, being attracted to this section because of its business possibilities. In 1849, he with O. J. Hall and Phineas Kimball. stim- ulated by the stories of the disocvery of gold in California, made the dangerous trip over- land to the El Dorado of those days, and there spent two years in pursuit of gold. The hard- ships of the trip and mining resulted in a phys- ical breakdown, and so, although he was very successful, he came back to Illinois, and settled in Appanoose Township.

On October 22, 1844, Nathan K. Hall was married (first) to Clarissa Anderson, born in New York, who later died. On October 2, 1851. he was married (second) to Ruth Briggs, born at Utica. N. Y., and one of their children is Mrs. Millard F. Horton of Appanoose Town- ship. The other child, J. D. Hall, died in 1906. Mr. Hall was a very public spirited man, and did much to advance his township. His ef- forts. however, were not confined to his own locality, but extended all over the county. His death occurred July 16, 1877. and Mrs. Hall passed away December 25, 1884.

HAMILTON, Frank, who is a farmer by inheri- tance and inclinaton, owns a fine property in Carthage Township, just outside the city limits, where he is regarded as a very representa- tive citizen. He was born in Morgan County, Ill., April S, 1847, a son of William and Saralı (Shelton) Hamilton, natives of Kentucky and Virginia, respectively. Soon after they located in Morgan County, Ill., they were married, and there lived until death claimed them, being engaged in farming.

He attended the district schools of his neigh- borhood, and lived at home until his marriage, August 31, 1885, to Jennie Smith, born in Scott County, Ill., March 22, 1857. a daughter of Henry and Louisa (Taylor) Smith, natives of Pennsylvania and Morgan County, respectively. Jonathan and Eleanor (Parsons) Taylor, the maternal grandparents, were born in Tennessee and Pittsylvania County, Va. After his mar-

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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY

riage, Mr. Hamilton lived at Chapin, Ill., for a year, and then went to Idaho and Washington, where he spent a year. He then came to Car- thage and a few months thereafter bought fifty- five acres of land in Carthage Township, which adjoins the city of Carthage on the east. The buildings now on the place he erected, are fine modern ones, and made other necessary improve- ments until his is one of the model farms of this locality.

Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton have one daughter, Clarese Marguerite, born October 26, 1891, who after being graduated from the Carthage College academy, spent three years as a student in Car- thage College, and she is now one of the popular educators of Hancock County, and a most ac- complished young lady. Mr. Hamilton is a Democrat. The family are widely and favorably known all over the county, and they enjoy entertaining their many friends at their beau- tiful rural home.

HAMILTON, George Henry, now deceased, was one of the prosperous agriculturists of La Harpe Township, and his memory is held in high es- teem. He was born in Peoria County, Ill., De- cember 1, 1847, a son of Henry and Charlotte (Ross) Hamilton, born in Fulton County, Ill. The maternal grandfather was Zedekiah Ross. In 1854, the Hamilton family came to Hancock County, locating in Fountain Green Township, where the mother passed away, after which the father moved to La Harpe, and there he died.

George Henry Hamilton was married April 11, 1871, to Angeline Yager, born in Fountain Green Township, March 21, 1849, a daughter of James and Nancy (Hayden) Yager, born in Washington County, Ky., where they were married, later moving to Fountain Green Town- ship. After his marriage, Mr. Hamilton moved in the fall to Woodson County, Kas., and bought eighty acres of land. Two years later, he went to Adair County, Iowa, and bought a farm, sell- ing it after six years, and returning to Foun- tain Green Township to take care of his father. When he married again, Mr. Hamilton remained on the farm while his father went to La Harpe, and when the father died, Mr. Hamilton bought a 160-acre farm in Pilot Grove Township, where . he improved the property, and lived about thirty-two years, moving then to La Harpe, where he lived retired until his death December 27, 1914. He had added sixty-seven acres to his holdings in Pilot Grove Township. The farm was then divided among his children, his widow continuing to reside at La Harpe. Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton had the following children : Florence A., who died May 18, 1917, was Mrs. E. C. Phelps ; Frank L., who died at the age of twenty years; Edith M., who is the widow of H. Marlott, lives in Pilot Grove Township; Fred E., who lives on the home farm; Alice E., who is Mrs. Otis Burrow of Fountain Green Township; and Katie L., who died at the age of two and one-half years. Mrs. Hamilton at- tended the district schools. She is a member of the Catholic Church. While Mr. Hamilton

supported the principles of the Republican party, he never could be induced to accept a public office, perferring to do his duty to his com- munity as a private citizen.

HAMILTON, Willard C., bookkeeper for the Hancock National Bank at Carthage, is one of the substantial and reliable men of the county. He was born at Carthage, March 30, 1859, a son of William R. and Martha (Miller) Hamil- ton. William R. Hamilton was born at Johns- town, N. Y., and came with his parents to Carthage when he was six years old, his father entering a large tract of land. On it the latter erected what was for the times, a very large building, and in it he kept a tavern for many years, at the same time superintending his farm. His death occurred when he was sev- enty-seven years old. Prior to his death he divided his farm among his children, four sons and two daughters, all of whom are now de- ceased. When the cholera epidemic raged in this county, the dread disease broke out in his hotel, and seven died in one night.

William R. Hamilton was born in 1829. His wife who was also born in New York state, was brought to Illinois when three years old. They went to the same school, and were sweethearts from childhood. They were married at Car- thage in 1854. Elected sheriff of Hancock County at the age of twenty-six years, he was the youngest man to hold the office, and he was very active in the Democratic party. After serving his term of office he moved on a farm of 160 acres, where he spent the remainder of his life. A member of the Hamilton family, was in the lumber business and helped to lay out the town of Hamilton, named in his honor. William R. Hamilton was past master and past high priest of the Masonic order, and attained to the Knight Templar degree in that order. He was the father of six children, three of whom died in childhood, the others being as follows: Ida, who is at home; Herbert, who is an undertaker and is employed by a furniture company at Carthage; William C.

Willard C. Hamilton lived at Carthage until he attained his majority, but at that time went on a farm and remained there until 1882, when he went to Oregon, and remained in that state for a year, being engaged in farming. Return- ing to Carthage, he learned the painter trade, and worked at it for fifteen years. In 1893, when his father was appointed postmaster at Carthage, he was made deputy postmaster, and held that office for one term, following which he went into the Hancock County National Bank and has remained with it ever since. The of- ficers of the bank are as follows: J. C. Ferris, president; D. E. Mack, vice president; S. H. Ferris, cashier; Thomas F. Dunn, assistant cashier ; and Charles C. Wetzel and W. C. Ham- ilton, bookkeepers.

On December 17, 1901, W. C. Hamilton was married to Elizabeth Bentley, born in Freemont County, Iowa, in 1865. She died February 2, 1917, leaving no children. The family all be-

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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY

long to the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Hamilton is a member of Hancock Lodge No. 20, A. F. & A. M .; Carthage Chapter No. 33, R. A. M .; Carthage Council, R. & S. M .; Ingleoere Com- mandery No. 75, K. T .; Ismay Consistory. He has been worthy master of the Blue Lodge eight times, and high priest of the commandery. Both he and his wife joined the Eastern Star, and he was worthy patron of that order sev- eral times. In politics he is a Democrat. After serving in the Illinois National Guards for ten years he was mustered out as sergeant.

HANSON, Erastus L., president of the Peoples State Bank of Hamilton, and an extensive farmer of Hancock County, is one of the repre- sentative men of this section of the state. He was born in Hancock County, July 10, 1875, one of the four children born to his parents, Sulli- van and Orvillia (Hazen) Hanson. Sullivan Hanson was engaged in farming with gratify- ing results, until his death which occurred De- cember 28, 1908.

Erastus L. Hanson attended the common and a high school of Hancock County, and Eureka College. Later he took a commercial course. However his inclinations led him to adopt farming as his life work, and he now owns 460 acres of fine farm land, 100 of which is in Hancock County, the rest in Kansas. A Demo- crat, he has always been prominent in his party, and was its successful candidate for the office of supervisor of his township for two terms. He is president of the Peoples State Bank of Hamilton, has been a stockholder and director, and in 1909, he was elected its president, which office he still holds.

On November 1, 1905, Mr. Hanson was mar- ried to Miss Elsie A. Outhier, a daughter of Theophilus Outhier, and they have two chil- dren, namely : Loring O., who was born Octo- ber 5, 1906; and Harlowe H., who was born November 10, 1907. Mr. Hanson and his family are members of the Christian Church. A man of sound ideas and principles, Mr. Hanson has pursued a conservative policy with reference to his bank, and is justly regarded as one of the leading financiers and farmers of Hancock County.

HANSON, Harry, one of the most progressive farmers of Hancock County, owns and operates a fine farm in Montebello Township. He was born on section 3. Montebello Township, in May, 1881, a son of Sullivan and Arvilla (Hazen) Hanson, who, after their marriage settled on the farm now owned by their son, which com- prises 160 acres. The father died in 1908, leav- ing about 500 acres of land, located in Hancock County, and 320 acres in Kansas. The mother survives and lives at Hamilton. Their children were as follows: E. L., who lives in Montebello Township; Maud, who is Mrs. Thomas Wyles, of Montebello Township; Estella, who is Mrs. David Baxter, of Hamilton; and Harry, who is the youngest.

Harry Hanson grew up on the homestead, and attended the schools of Montebello and

Eureka Townships, and the Gem City Business College. He inherited the home farm of 160 acres, and since taking charge of it has im- proved it in many ways, and has excellent buildings and many valuable appliances and ma- chinery. Here he carries on ·general farming, and raises Shorthorn cattle and cattle, hogs and horses.

In August, 1905, Mr. Hanson was married to Elva Liegerot, born in Montebello Township, a daughter of Emile and Martha (Terry) Lie- gerot, natives of France and New York state, respectively. Mr. and Mrs. Hanson have the following children: Russell C., Lois Garnet, Guilford, Howard and Lawrence. In politics Mr. Hanson is independent, and he has served as a school director. The Christian Church holds his membership, and he has been a deacon of it for some years. Mr. Hanson is one of the most substantial men of the county, and his interests which are large, are centered here.

HARDEY, Leo Carl, who is engaged in farm- ing upon an extensive scale, is one of the leading agriculturalists of Fountain Green Township. He was born in this township, June 21, 1882, a son of William Michael and Maria (Tallis) Hardey, the former of whom was born te Mary- ville, Union County, Ky., September 29. 1831, and the latter was born in Kilkenny, Ireland, December 24, 1849. The paternal grandparents were Ira and Mary (Rhiley) Hardey, the former of whom was of English descent. They came to Fountain Green Township in 1835, and he died there in his ninety-ninth year, The ma- ternal grandparents were William and Catherine (Ford) Tallis, the former of whom was born in Ireland in 1819, a son of John and Mary (Barnes) Tallis.

William Tallis was reared in Ireland, where he learned the shoemaking trade. Leaving Ireland in 1859, he came to the United States, and after spending about a year in Ulster Coun- ty, N. Y., he came west to St. Louis, Mo., soon thereafter securing employment on the construc- tion of the Alton and Springfield Railroad. Six months later he was placed in charge of a con- struction gang on the Great Western Railroad. Fifteen months later he left that road to go with the Northern Cross Railroad carrying out the contract of Silas Roe, and remained with that road for eleven years. He then purchased a farm in McDonough County, Ill., comprising 175 acres in Lamoine Township, adding to it until he had 267 acres, of which fifty-eight acres were in Lamoine Township, and the bal- ance in Tennessee Township. His wife's par- ents were Robert and Catherine (Ward) Ford, who died in Ireland. Mrs. Tallis died November 10, 1903, and Mr. Tallis died January 15, 1907.

The children of William Michael and Maria (Tallis) Hardey were as follows : William, who lives at Minneapols, Minn. ; Evelyn, who is Mrs. Thomas Bowman of Rygate, Mont .; Joseph, who is on the home farm : Alice, who is Mrs. William Doran of Macomb, Ill .; and Earl, and Blanche and Leo Carl, who are all on the home farm. The brothers, Joseph, Earl and Leo Carl, con-

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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY

duct the homestead of 320 acres of land ol sections 36 and 25, Fountain Green Township, and the Tallis homestead in Tennessee Towil- ship, McDonough County, Ill., of 173 acres, carrying on general farming and stockraising. The farm in Fountain Green Township is named The Pioneer Stock Farm. The sister, Blanche, keeps house for her brothers. Leo Carl Hardey attended the district schools, while William Hardey was graduated from St. Francis College of Quincy, Ill., and the sisters, Evelyn and Blanche, attended St. Mary's Academy at Nauvoo, Ill. They all belong to the Catholic Mission of Tennessee Township. In politics the brothers are Democrats, and they be- long to Gabrault Council, K. of C., at Macomb, Ill., and Earl is also a member of the Elks. Miss Blanche belongs to the Household Science Club of her township. They are all very repre- sentative people of this section, and are held in the highest esteem by all who know them.

HARDY, Baptist, a successful general farmer and stockraiser of Hancock County, owns and operates 240 acres of valuable land on section 4, Harmony Township. He was born in Han- cock County, February 13, 1866, a son of Thom- as and Margaret (Rogers) Hardy, natives of Illinois, who came in an early day to Hancock County and here the father engaged in farm- ing. Both are now deceased.

Baptist Hardy attended the schools of his native township, and remained at home until he was eighteen years of age, then went to Iowa and remained for five years. Upon his return to Hancock County, he spent a year on the homestead, then went to Montana, where he herded stock and engaged in farming for five years. Once more he returned to the homestead and remained a year. Then he was married. to Ollie M. Hughett, who was born in Hancock County. Mr. and Mrs. Hardy have had eleven children : Theodore C., who is serving his coun- try as a soldier; and Leonard B., Glenn G., Walter J., Charles R., Zula M., Joy M., Ollie V., Wayne E., and Bessie E., who are at home. Lulu P. died at the age of seven years.

After his marriage Mr. Hardy moved on his present farm and has been very successful in his farming operations. He belongs to the Ma- sonic fraternity. and is a Blue Lodge, Chapter, Commandery, Thirty-second degree Mason, and Grace Chapter, O. E. S .; and he also belongs to the lodge and Encampment of the Odd Fellows and the Rebekah's. From the time he cast his first vote he has supported the Democratic ticket and candidates, but has never cared for office. A man of wide experience, he has been able to put his knowledge of farming condi- tions elsewhere to good use on his own farm, and fully deserves the prosperity which attends him.

HARKRADER, William H., postmaster of Hamilton, and one of the representative men of Hancock County, is giving the people here an admirable service as a government official.

He was born in Pike County, Ill., November 17, 1877, a son of David M. and Addie (Burns) Harkrader, who had ten children born to them. David M. Harkrader was early in life a black- smith, but later owned and issued a newspaper. His death occurred February 15, 1917.

William H. Harkrader attended the public schools of his native county, and learned the trade of a printer in his father's newspaper office. He worked at his trade until he was appointed postmaster by President Wilson, May 20, 1913, when he assumed the duties of his office. There are six government employees un- der Mr. Harkrader's supervision, and the af- fairs of the office are admirably conducted. Like his father before him, Mr. Harkrader is a strong Democrat, and has rendered yeoman service to his party.

Mr. Harkrader was married to Miss Alvira Works, a daughter of Isaac Works, and they have a daughter, Virginia, who is at home. Mr. Harkrader and his family belong to the Presbyterian Church. He is president of the Hamilton Business Men's Association, and a forceful factor in it. His fraternal connections are with the Odd Fellows and Modern Wood- men of America.

HARRIS, Andrew Jackson, a general farmer and stockraiser of Rock Creek Township, is one of the representative men of Hancock County. He was born in Adams County, Ill., October 2, 1862, a son of Jackson and Louisa (Harley) Jackson, natives of Adams County, Ill. The grandparents, Solomon and Lucinda (Barker) Harris, were natives of Tennessee, and Baptist and Tamar (Patterson) Harley were natives of Mississippi. All of them were early settlers or natives of Adams County, and secured land there from the government. They all died in that county. The parents of Andrew Jackson Harris were reared in Adams County. Eight years after their marriage they moved to Rock Creek Township, where the father bought 160 acres of land, that was but little improved, and only a portion of it broken. In 1890 he moved to Carthage, and in 1892 went to Adrian, where the mother died about 1893. Since then he lived with his children until his death, January 24, 1919, in his eighty-third year. They are as follows: Louisa Jane, who was Mrs. Thomas Singleton, is deceased; Andrew Jackson; Wil- liam F., who died while a member of the Illi- mois State Assembly; Tamar, who is Mrs. G. F. Wilson, lives in Rock Creek Township; George E., who lives at Colorado Springs, Col .; Mary, who is Mrs. Lewis J. Fry, lives in Rock Creek Township; and Sarah E., who is Mrs. Clyde E. Shepherd, in Colorado Springs, Colo.

Andrew Jackson Harris attended the common schools and Carthage College, and when he was twenty-one years old, commenced teaching school during the winter months, and in the summer- time he was engaged in farming. For two years he and his brother conducted a drug store at Adrian. and then, after an interval of three years of school teaching, he embarked in a gen-

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eral mercantile busines at Adrian, and conducted it for five years. He then bought 120 acres of land in Rock Creek Township near to eighty acres given him by his father, and on it he has erected new buildings and put in consider- able tile, so that he has the place in splendid condition, and on it he carries on general farm- ing and feeds cattle and hogs. Mr. Harris owns altogether 280 acres, in two separate farms and has buildings on both.

On March 12, 1890, Mr. Harris was married to Nellie A. Burr, born te Durham, Ill., a daugh- ter of Jonathan E. and Esther (Terrill) Burr, natives of Connecticut and Virginia, respectively. Mr. and Mrs. Harris became the parents of the following children : Albert B., who lives at Adrian ; Orville, who is deceased; and Ernest R., Esther L., Edward J., Alice, Mabel and John, all of whom are at home. Mr. Harris belongs to the Primitive Baptist Church. A Democrat, he served for six years as a justice of the peace. A Mason in good standing, he belongs to the Burnside Lodge, of which he is master.

HARRIS, Walter R., who is very profitably en- gaged in operating his farm of eighty acres on section 9, - Augusta Township, rents another forty acres and is recognized as one of the representative farmers of Hancock County. He was born in Schuyler County, Ill., October 15, 1884, a son of Courtland and Addie (Merrritt) Harris, natives of Ohio and Illinois, respectively. They were farming people of Schuyler County, who came to Hancock County, locating in Augusta Township, where he died. She survives, and makes her home at Hannibal, Mo.

Walter R. Harris was reared in Augusta Township, and attended the district schools and the Augusta High school. He taught one term of school in Schuyler County. After completing his studies, he worked for farmers for four years, and began farming for himself, moving on his present farm in 1919, where he has since carried on general farming.

On February 24, 1909, Mr. Harris was mar- ried in Hancock County to Clara Ippensen, born in Madison County, IlI. A sketch of the Ippen- sen family appears elsewhere in this work. Mr. and Mrs. Harris have two children, namely : Minnie and Amy. Mr. Harris is a Republican, but aside from being a school director, has never held office. Both he and Mrs. Harris be- long to the Methodist Episcopal Church. His fraternal connections are with the Odd Fellows. The Harris family is one well known in this locality, and both Mr. and Mrs. Harris are very popular in their immediate circle.

HARRIS, William Franklin, now deceased, whose labors as a druggist, physician and re- ligious teacher, entitle him to a place in so im- portant a work as this history, was one of the highly esteemed men of Hancock County. He was born in Adams County, Ill., August 3, 1864, a son of Jackson and Louisa (Hardy) Harris, natives of Adams County, Ill., who came to Hancock County, at an early day, and settled on a farm in Rock Creek Township. Here she

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois and history of Hancock County, Volume II, Part 110

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897. cn; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913. cn; Currey, J. Seymour (Josiah Seymour), 1844-1928. 4n; Scofield, Charles J. (Charles Josiah), 1853- 4n Publication date: 1921 Publisher: Chicago : Munsell Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 1174

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897. cn; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913. cn; Currey, J. Seymour (Josiah Seymour), 1844-1928. 4n; Scofield, Charles J. (Charles Josiah), 1853- 4n
Publication date: 1921
Publisher: Chicago : Munsell Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1174