Historical encyclopedia of Illinois and history of Hancock County, Volume II, Part 111

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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died in 1900, but he survives and still lives on the farm.

William Franklin Harris attended the ocmmon schools and a medical college at Keokuk, Iowa, and began practicing medicine at Adrian, III., but later sold his practice there and went to Quincy, where he conducted a drug store. This he also sold, and moved to Ferris, Ill., where he was again engaged in a drug business, and practiced medicine, so continuing until his death, November 3, 1901.

Dr. Harris was married to Isabel A. Ward, a daughter of Rev. William and Isabel (Johnson) Ward, born in England, who came to the United States in 1851, and settled at Nauvoo. Mr. Ward was a clergyman, and was connected with the Northern Illinois Conference, and com- menced his ministerial labors in 1852. He sur- vives and makes his home with Mrs. Harris, being now venerable, having been born in 1829. Mrs. Ward died in 1910. Mr. and Mrs. Harris had the following children : Charles, who died at the age of three and one-half years; Flossie B., who is Mrs. J. R. Loutzenhiser, of Mt. Aye, Iowa. has one son, John; May, who is at home; Pearl, who is Mrs. S. H. Huston ; and Marie and Minnie, who are at home.

Dr. Harris joined the Primitive Baptist . Church in 1892, and in 1893 was licensed to preach by that denomination, and in October, 1894, was ordained as a' Gospel worker. In politics he was a Democrat. The year follow- ing his death, Mrs. Harris moved to Carthage, where she erected a fine modern residence on North Adams Street.

HART, Archibald William, one of the progres- sive farmers of St. Albans Township, owns eighty acres of the homestead of his parents, and conducts the remainder. He was born in St. Albans Township, June 10, 1873, a son of William and Fannie (Wiggle) Hart, natives of Ohio, who came to Illinois and located near . Liberty, Adams County, at an early day, but soon afterward moved to the present site of West Point, and he became the owner of all of the land now included in that place, and gave the land for the cemetery. In addition to farm- ing, he owned and operated a drug store at West Point, where he died in 1903, being buried in the cemetery his generosity to the community had provided. He and his wife had the follow- ing children : Isaac, who lives at Bowen, Ill .; Mark, who lives at Ellensburg, Wash .; Hattie, who is Mrs. Jacob Schaffer, a widow of West Point, Ill .; Jane, who is Mrs. D. H. Miller of Carthage, Ill. ; Clarence, who is deceased ; Olive, who is Mrs. John Hanert of West Point; Eva, who is Mrs. William Nutt of Mendon, Ill. ; May, who is Mrs. Walter Long of Mendon, Ill .; and Archibald William, who is the youngest.

In February, 1892, A. W. Hart was married to Fannie Cirkendall, born in Walker Town- ship, a daughter of Job and Elizabeth Cirken- dall, natives of Ohio and Kentucky, respective- ly. After his marriage, Mr. Hart lived with his parents for seven years and then when they moved to West Point, he assumed charge of the

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160 acre farm, of which he now owns eighty acres. He and his wife have one son,-Carl Herbert, who was born in September, 1894, served during the great war with the ambu- lance corps, A. E. F. Mrs. Hart belongs to the Christian Church. In politics Mr. Hart is a Republican. Fraternally he belongs to West Point Lodge, 258, A. F. & A. M., and West Point M. W. A. Having devoted his life to farming, Mr. Hart understands it in every detail and has made a success of his undertakings.

HART, George H., postmaster of Nauvoo, and formerly a member of the board of supervisors, is one of the leading men of Hancock County, and has long been associated with its agricultural development. He was born in Montebello Town- ship, this county, December 19, 1861, a son of Selalı G. and Emeline (Vanneltan) Hart, natives of Tioga County, N. Y. In about 1850, they came to Hancock County, settling in Montebello Town- ship a few years later. Here the father bought forty acres of land, on which he built a log cabin, in which his son, George H. hart was born. He improved his farm and added to it, until he had about 100 acres, and there he died January 31, 1916. The mother survives, being an aged lady as she was born December 1, 1833, and the father was born January 31, 1827, so that he was just ninety years old when he passed away. Their children were: Albert, who lives with his mother, has never been mar- ried; Mary, who is Mrs. W. C. Peacock of Montebello Township and she has two children ; George, who was married to Nelie Sevigelson ; and Ethel, who is Mrs. Roy Pilkington of Monte- bello, Ill., has two sons; and George H., who is the youngest of his father's family.

After attending the local district schools, George H. Hart, took a commercial course at the Keokuk, Iowa, Business College, and when twenty years old began teaching school at Ogden, S. D., there remaining for four years. He then was engaged in teaching schools at River- side for two years, and went back to the Ogden schools and remained for three years. Mr. Hart then came to Nauvoo, as principal of the Second Ward school for four years. He then engaged in cultivating 126 acres of land his wife owned in Nauvoo Township, which he improved from raw land, and now has a portion under cultiva- tion, the balance being in timber and pasture. He bought sixty acres within the confines of Nauvoo, and has improved it all.

Mr. Hart was married to Vinia M. Bustin, who died in October, 1908. In March, 1912, Mr. liart was married (second) to Ida M. Sand- meyer, born at Nauvoo, Ill., a daughter of Andrew and Louisa Sandmeyer. In politics Mr. Hart is a Democrat, and he served for about twelve years as school trustee, as assessor for two terms, and as supervisor for three terms, and was chairman of the Plans and Specifica- tions Committee, and secretary of the Building Committee when the new courthouse of Hancock County was built. On February 16, 1916, he was appointed postmaster of Nauvoo, and still holds that office. A Mason in high standing, he

belongs to Hamilton Lodge No. 238, A. F. & A. M., and Quincy Consistory. He also is a member of Nauvoo Lodge, I. O. O. F., and the Nauvoo Lodge of the Rebekahs, and Royal Neighbors, and Nauvoo Camp No. 905, M. W. A.

HART, Selah G. So seldom does the span of does, the event is worthy of record, and more a man's life reach ninety years, that when it than passing mention must be made of the man. The late Selah G. Hart, one of Hancock's honored residents, and one of its early settlers, was closely identified with the growth of Monte- bello Township, and its agricultural develop- ment. He was born in Tioga County, N. Y., January 31, 1827, and died on his farm in Monte- bello Township, on his birthday, ninety years later, and during that period saw many wonder- ful changes in his native country.

In 1850 Selah G. Hart brought his family to Illinois and spent several years in Wythe Township, Hancock County, and then bought forty acres of land in Montebello Township. This was all in the timber, and his first act was to fell some of the trees and from them construct the crude cabin in which the family lived for many years, and in which the youngest child came into the world. While clearing off the land, he bought more acreage, and finally his farm consisted of 100 acres, all of which is now very valuable. On it he rounded out his long and useful life.

Selah G. Hart was married to Emeline Van- nettan, born in Tioga County, N. Y., December 1, 1833, and she survives him, and makes her home upon the farm where they lived for so many years. Their children were as follows: Albert, who has never married, lives with his aged mother; Mary, who is Mrs. W. C. Peacock of Montebello Township; and George H., who is postmaster of Nauvoo. Mrs. Peacock has two children, namely : George, who was married to Nellie Sevigelson; and Ethel, who is Mrs. Roy Pilkington, of Montebello, Ill., has two sons. With the death of Mr. Hart, Hancock County lost, not only one of its very oldest settlers, but one of its best and most highly esteemed men, whose life was an example of frugality and industry.

HARTER, Edward M., one of the most success- ful general farmers and stockraisers of Harmony Township, owns and operates 296 acres of fine farm land on sections 1 and 2. He was born in Chili Township, December 9, 1867, a son of Joseph V. and Barbara (Somer) Harter, natives of Virginia. Joseph V. Harter is deceased, but his wife survives and is living in Hancock County.

Edward M. Harter attended the district schools and the Bowen High school, and had one term at Carthage College and is exception- ally well informed on many subjects. For four years he was engaged in teaching in Hancock County, before commencing his farming opera- tions, and has been equally successful in both occupations.

On May 1, 1900, Mr. Harter was married in

Jacob Shall

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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY 1

Carthage Township, to Julia Lane, who was born in Hancock County. Mr. and Mrs. Harter have four children, namely : Wesley C., Alice L., Richard H. and Dorothy Bertha. Mr. Harter belongs to the Carthage Masonic lodge and to the Modern Woodmen of America, as well as the Hancock County Mutual Association. He is a Democrat, and has held some of the township offices, proving himself valuable in these offices.

HARTSOOK, Martin L., a retired farmer of Plymouth, is one of the substantial men of Hancock County, and was formerly largely in- terested in the agricultural affairs of the county. He was born in Maryland, May 26, 1843, a son of John A. and Rachel (Myers) Hartsook, na- tives of Maryland, both of whom passed away in that state.

In 1869 Martin L. Hartsook came to Han- cock County and began farming, gradually ac- quiring land until he now owns 340 acres of very valuable land as well as residence property at Plymouth. Until his retirement, he was actively engaged in farming and was very successful, becoming one of the wealthy men of the county.

Mr. Hartsook was married to Anne R. Beck, and they became the parents of five children, namely : Ida, who is married to J. T. Smith, has four children, Martin E., who is married to a Miss Mcclellan, has six children; William B., who is married to Myrtle Bowman, has three children; Susan, who is Mrs. Ike Duns- worth ; and Julia, who is Mrs. Walter E. Wright, has three children. Mr. Hartsook is a member of the German Baptist Church. He is inde- pendent in his political views. Both he and his family are very highly esteemed in the county where they are well known.

HARTZELL, William H., was born in Durham township. in Hancock County, Illinois, on No- vember 8, 1869. He was the son of a farmer, and in early life was engaged in working on the farm. He attended the public school of the vicinity and later graduated from the La Harpe High School, and was also graduated from the Seminary at La Harpe, which was at that time in successful operation as an institution of learning. While a very young man he decided on the practice of the law as his profession, and went to Carthage, the county-seat of Hancock County, to study law, as it was expressed in that day, and entered the law office of O'Harra and Scofield, where he read and studied for the required period of two years. In November, 1891, having successfully passed the examina- tion for admission to the bar, he received his license from the Supreme Court of the state to practice law in Illinois.

Soon after Mr. Hartzell had been admitted to the bar, and on June 25, 1892, he was married to Miss Inez E. Charter, of La Harpe, and they established their home in Carthage, where they lave resided continuously from that to the present time.

There were born to Mr. and Mrs. Hartzell six children, Ruth R., Franklin M., Phillip W., Eloise, Grace C. and Lucile Lenore. Three of

these children are now married, Ruth to James McCarty, Jr., a merchant of Carthage, Franklin to Miss Mary Glenn Ferris, granddaughter of Judge John M. Glenn of Monmouth, and Eloise to Byron Brooks, one of the business men of Carthage. The two younger girls, Grace and Lucile Lenore (familiarly known as Billie) are still at home with their parents. Phillip volun- tarily enlisted in the service during the World War, becoming one of the famous U. S. Marines. His crossing the water and entering the active service was hastened at his own choice and solicitation. He died in battle in France on September 16, 1918. He was a splendid young man and a valiant soldier. His death was a great blow to his parents, which was softened by the thought of the cause in which his noble young life had been sacrificed.

Mr. Hartzell has two grandchildren, Phillip William Hartzell, son of Mr. and Mrs. Franklin M. Hartzell, and James Hartzell Brooks, son of Mr. and Mrs. Byron Brooks.

In 1892, about one year after Mr. Hartzell had been admitted to the bar, he was elected to the responsible position of State's Attorney of Han- cock County, and served in that capacity for one term of four years. In 1917 he was elected mayor of Carthage, and in 1919 he was re- elected, resigning in 1920, and holding that office for about three years. He might be called the War Mayor of Carthage. He served the county as the supervisor from Carthage, and has held other responsible positions.

Mr. Hartzell enjoys the reputation of being one of the ablest lawyers of the Hancock County Bar and has an extensive practice in this and adjoining counties, and in adjoining states. Among the important cases with which he has been prominently connected in Hancock County are the Anderson murder case, the Johnson and the Blackhurst will cases, and the Stevenson will case. He is the senior member of the law firm of Hartzell, Cavanagh, Martin and Hartzell.

HARVEY, Tom, owner of a garage and dealer in automobiles and automobile accessories, has the exclusive agency for the Studebaker and Chevrolet cars, and is one of the leading busi- ness men of Dallas City. He was born in Henderson County, Ill., September 3, 1890, a son of Ellsworth H. and Jennie (Babcock) Harvey. Ellsworth H. Harvey learned the trade of a machinist and followed it in his younger days, but later became a gardener on an extensive scale in Henderson County.

Tom Harvey attended the public schools of his native county, and learned the trade of a machinist as had his father in his youth, be- ginning his apprenticeship when only twelve years old. Mr. Harvey organized his present business at Dallas City, and has the largest and best equipped garage in this section, and sells more automobiles than any other dealer in his township. His volume of business agre- gates $50,000 annually, and he gives employment to four assistants.

On May 20, 1913,, Mr. Harvey was married

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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY

to Miss Grace Martin, a daughter of F. A. Martin, Mr. and Mrs. Harvey are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics he is a Republican. A young man of more than average ability and business acumen, he has forged ahead and deserves the success which has come to him as a result of his well directed efforts.

HAST, Charles, proprietor of Elm Grove Farm, a successful general farmer and stockraiser of La Harpe Township, is one of the leading agri- culturalists of Hancock County, where he is held in high esteem. He was born in Livingston County. Ill., November 28, 1860, a son of Henry and Elizabeth (Hornickle) Hast, natives of Germany, who came to the United States, in 1837 and after a period spent in Tazewell Coun- ty, Ill., located in Germanville Township. Liv- ingston County, Ill. After several years there, they moved to Chatsworth, Ill., and then re- turning to their farm, lived on it until 1892, when they went to Ford County, Ill., where she died April 1, 1901, and he in August, 1903. Their children were as follows : Charles ; Mollie, who is Mrs. Adam Berlet of La Harpe Town- ship ; Kate, who is Mrs. John Lohrke of Indiana ; Mary, who is Mrs. George Dehm of Livingston County. Ill. ; Hannah, who is Mrs. Julius Wis- thuff of Ford County, Ill .; and Anna, who is Mrs. Henry Helmers of North Dakota.

When he was seventeen years old, Charles Hast began working for farmers by the month, and then was engaged in farming for himself for a year in Livingston County. He then went on his father's farm in Ford County. In 1897 he moved to another farm in Ford County, where he was engaged in farming until 1910. In the latter year he bought a partly improved farm of 280 acres of land in La Harpe Town- ship, and has thoroughly improved it in every way. Here he carries on general farming and is raising Shorthorn cattle and Poland-China hogs. His farm is named Elm Grove, and its brand on any product is a guarantee of its excellence.

On March 22, 1SSS. Mr. Hast was married to Mary Miller, born in Indiana, a daughter of Louis Miller, a native of Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Hast have five children, namely : Henry Louis, Edward John, Lillie, Walter G., and Albert, all of whom are at home except Albert, who is in military service. Mr. Hast's standing as a farmer and good citizen is very high, and he deserves the confidence he inspires.

HASTINGS, Greene B., junior member of the agricultural firm of Hastings Brothers, of Monte- bello, has been associated with the history of Hancock County since 1868, and is half owner of a magnificent farm of 400 acres of land in this township. He was born in Adams County, Ill., February 6. 1847, his parents being Samuel R. and Martha A. (Anderson) Hastings. Samuel R. Hastings was born in Maryland, October 2, 1820, and he died in Adams County, Ill .. October 7, 1907. His wife, who was born in Kentucky in 1819, died in Adams County, Ill., in February,

1882. They had five sons and two daughters, but only three survive, Greene B. and his part- ner, John B .; and George H., who was born March 6, 1855, and is now engaged in general farming and stock raising on his fine farm of 160 acres of land in Oklahoma.

Greene B. Hastings was reared in Adams County, and attended its schools. Having de- voted his whole life to farming, he understands it thoroughly, and has brought to his work an appreciation of its dignity and importance. He and his brother are engaged in a general farm- ing and dairying business and also raise a large amount of cattle and horses. In politics lie is a Democrat.

HASTINGS, John B., one of the substantial farmers of Montebello Township, owns in part- nership with his brother, Greene B., 400 acres of finely improved land in this township. He was born in Adams County, Ill., December 30, 1844, a son of Samuel R. and Martha A. (Anderson) Hastings, natives of Maryland. Samuel R. Hastings was born October 2, 1820, and died November 7, 1907. His wife was born in 1819 and died in February, 1SS2. They moved to Adams County, Ill., in 1835, and the first few years were spent in working for other farmers, but he finally bought 200 acres of land and lived on it until his death. He and his wife, who were married in 1842, had seven children. namely : five sons and two daughters, of whom the living are: John B .; Greene B .; and George H., who was born March 6, 1855, is a general farmer and stockraiser, owning 160 acres of land in Oklahoma.

John B. Hastings attended the local schools of Adams County, and has been a farmer all of his mature years. In 1868 he and his brother Greene B., bought 400 acres of land in Monte- bello Township, and have since conducted it. They raise cattle and horses, and do a general farming and dairy business.

On January 15, 1865, John B, Hastings was married to Martha Watson, a daughter of Daniel and Chloe (Tyrer) Watson. Mrs. Hast- ings was born December 6, 1846, and died in 1877, having been the mother of five children, namely : Emil J., born November 6, 1865, died in 1877; Samuel R., born June 4, 1867, died in 1892; Cora, born in 1869, died January 4. 1896 ; Andrew L., born in 1871, died in 1897 ; and Eva M., born in 1873, died in infancy. John B. Hastings was married (second) January S, 1899, to Iva Symonds, a daughter of J. H. and Mary (McConnell) Symonds, born July 15, 1874. Mr. and Mrs. Hastings have the following chil- dren : Lessie E., who was born March 15, 1900; Mary E., who was born November 17, 1901; Greene, who was born June 4, 1903; John, who was born September 4, 1905; and Robert, who was born July 11, 190S. Mr. Hastings has several granddaughters, namely : Florence M. (Prendergast) Shaw. a daughter of Mrs. Cora (Hastings) Pendergast ; and Florence S. (Hast- ings) Thomas, of San Antonio, Tex. Mr. Hast- ings is a Democrat.

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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY

HAWKES, Edward Everett, now living retired at Hamilton, Ill., is one of the representative men of Hancock County. He was born at Lynn, Mass., July 10, 1826, a son of David and Hannah (Pratt) Hawkes, natives of Massachu- setts. He was in the shoe business at Lynn, and there he and his wife both died.

Edward Everett Hawkes resided with his par- ents until 1849, when he took a passage on a ship going around Cape Horn to California, and after a voyage of 135 days, San Francisco was reached, and there he opened a meat market. A year later he returned to Lynn, Mass., by way of Central America, having a pleasant voyage. He entered the shoe business, having learned the trade from his father, but in 1858 came west to Keokuk, Iowa, and for seven years thereafter was engaged in a shoe business. Having in the meanwhile bought thirty acres of land in Montibello Township, just south of Hamilton, for which he paid $70.00 per acre, he moved on the land. It was in the timber, but he cleared and im- proved the place, and built on it a fine stone house on the bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River, and here he is living retired, and in spite of his years, is fortunately enjoying the best of good health.

In 1856 Mr. Hawkes was married to Jane M. Pratt, a daughter of Richard and Sarah Pratt, and they had the following children born to them : Theodore, who is deceased; Hyrell, who is Mrs. Fred Tweston, who lives with her fa- ther. Mr. Hawkes secured but a limited edu- cation. He was born a Quaker. In politics he is a republican.

While he was in California Mr. Hawkes passed through a yellow fever epidemic, but fortunately escaped, although the majority of his associates died of the plague. During the many years he has lived in Hancock County, Mr. Hawkes has witnessed many changes, and has done his part in bringing about better conditions, and he is held in the highest respect by all who have the honor of his acquaintance.

HAYES, Edward, one of the energetic farmers and good citizens of Hancock County, owns and operates eiglity acres of land on section 14, Chili Township. He was born at Carthage, Ill., June 28, 1897, a son of John and Ida (Hob- son) Hayes, who are now living in retirement at Carthage, after many years spent in success- ful farming operations. .

Edward Hayes attended the common and the high schools of Carthage, and learned practical farming from his father. On September 1, 1917, he was married to Georgie Pate, and on March 1, 1918, he moved to his present farm. This farm is known as the Suburban Stock Farm, and already Mr. Hayes has made its brand recognized as synonomous with quality of a superior grade. He and his wife belong to the Christian Church, In politics Mr. Hayes is a Republican. Although still a very young man, Mr. Hayes has proven his ability, and is justly numbered among the representative young farm- ers of Hancock County.

HAYS, Charles, one of the most progressive farmers of Hancock County, owns and operates 200 acres of valuable land in Pilot Grove Town- ship, his farm being in as good condition as any in this section. He was born in Bear Creek Township, August 5, 1868, a son of Jacob and Hattie (Koppsicker) Hays, natives of Germany, who came to the United States and located in Bear Creek Township at an early day. She died in 1915 and he in 1916. Their children were as follows: Mary, who is Mrs. William Gerard, of Bear Creek Township; Elizabetlı, who is Mrs. Hershel Steffy, of Queen City, Mo .; John, who lives at Carthage; Kate, who is Mrs. Henry Young, of Bear Creek Township ; Charles, whose name heads this review; and Jacob B., who lives in Carthage Township.

Charles Hays attended the district schools and grew up on his fathers' farm, where he learned to be a practical farmer. On March 7, 1894. Charles Hays was married to Emma Clere, born in Bear Creek Township, a daugh- ter of Theodore and Catherine (Miller) Clere. natives of France and Ohio, respectively. After their marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Hays moved on eighty acres of land he owned just south of Carthage to which he later added forty acres and farmed it until in Janaury, 1914, when he traded it for 200 acres owned by his brother Jacob B. This farm is a magnificent one, and Mr. Hays has further improved it in many ways, erecting modern buildings and putting in new machinery so that his place is recog- mized as a model one for the entire county.

Mr. and Mrs. Hays became the parents of the following children: Arthur, who served in the National Army during the Great War, spent six months in France, was gassed Novem- ber 1, 1918. recovered. and was discharged as a member of Company B. Ninetieth Division Engineers. on March 15. 1919; Frank, who is at home; Esther, who was married April 4, 1919, to Rolland Rucker; and William and Ruth, who are at home. Mr. Hays is independ- ent in his political views. He belongs to the Presbyterian Church. Fraternally he belongs to Carthage Lodge. I. O. O. F. A farmer with advanced ideas he is recognized as an authority on agricultural matters, and his advice is often . sought by those who wish to benefit by his knowledge and experience.

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois and history of Hancock County, Volume II, Part 111

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