Historical encyclopedia of Illinois and history of Hancock County, Volume II, Part 113

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

USA > Illinois > Hancock County > Historical encyclopedia of Illinois and history of Hancock County, Volume II > Part 113

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

HIGBY, Delancy Clement. There have been many men who have prospered in Hancock County by devoting themselves to farming and stockraising, and one of them is found in De- lancy C. Higby, who is operating his well im- proved farm situated on section 6, Sonora Town- ship. He was born in Montebello Township, February 1, 1879, a son of Clement and Hannah (Nagel) Higby, both of whom were born in Hancock County. The father died June 16, 1901, and the mother still resides on the old homestead in Montebello Township. There were five children in the family, namely: Ag- nes, who is the wife of Horace B. Parsons, of Montebello Township; Delancy C .; David, who

lives in Keokuk, Iowa; Fred, who is a farmer in Montebello Township; and Frank S., who lives at Hamilton, Ill.

Delancy Clement Higby attended the district schools and helped his father until he was twenty-one years old and then was employed in the wholesale grocery house of the S. Hamel Company, of Keokuk, Iowa, for two years, and afterward for two years was with J. L. Root, in Montebello Township, at the end of which time he bought his present farm of sixty-seven acres. Here he has made many substantial improve ments and carries on general farming and raises full blood stock.

Mr. Higby was married October 1, 1902, to Miss Ethie L. Hazen, who is a daughter of Eras- tus A. and Mary (Layman) Hazen of Monte- bello Township. They are members of the Christian Church at Golden's Point. Taking a deep interest in all beneficial agencies, Mr. Higby has been a great friend of the public schools and has served two terms as a school director.

HINKLE, Elijah A., who was formerly one of the leading agriculturalists of Hancock County, is now living retired just outside of West Point. He was born in Crawford County, Pa., October 28, 1856, a son of Henry and Sophia (Frantza) in this work.

Hinkle, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere

Elijah A. Hinkle attended the schools of West Point after coming to Hancock County in 1862 with his parents, and he remained with them until his marriage which occurred Marcli 18, 1880, when he was united with Virginia Tatman, born in Adams County, Ill., September S, 1859, a daughter of Thomas and Sarah (Ray) Tatman, born in Kentucky, and Ohio. After his marriage Mr. Hinkle continued to reside on the homestead until in March, 1911, when he bought fifteen acres of land just east of West Point, where he has since resided, renting his farm. Mr. and Mrs. Hinkle have no children. Mrs. Hinkle is a member of the Christian Church. His political convictions are such as to make him give his support to the principles and candi- dates of the Republican party. Belonging as he does to one of the best known families in Hancock County, and being a man of sterling character, Mr. Hinkle is held in high esteem by all who know him.

HILL, John, now deceased, was one of the pioneers of Warsaw, and one of the men to whose foresight and energy is due much of the development of to-day. He was born in England about 1785. When he reached man- hood's estate, he was married to Harriet Browning, and in 1832 took ship and sailed to the United States, landing in New York City, from whence he came to Marion coun- ty, Mo. There a company was formed with the expectations of making a wonderful city on the present site of Marion City Mo. Mr. Hill had bought a farm in this vicinity, near which was a flouring mill, and he soon ar-

1237

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY

ranged to take charge of the mill during week days, and return to his farm over Sunday, so continuing to divide his labors for five years. Then, le with his two sons and a son-in-law, built a saw and flouring mill on their property, and conducted it for a long period. Later a company was formed of members of the fam- ily, and a distillery was erected. Some of his sons became rivermen, one being an engineer and the other a captain on the Mississippi River steamboats, and were thus engaged for a number of years. The energies of Mr. Hill were not confined to business lines, however, for he was always interested in advancing the material and spiritual welfare of his commun- ity in every way possible, and he was held in high esteem by all who knew him. His death occurred in 1864, but his excellent wife survived him until 1874. Their children were as fol- lows : Charlotte, who became Mrs. Robert Black, is now deceased, as is her husband ; John and Thomas, who are deceased; Henry and Walter, twins, both of whom are de- ceased ; James, William and Peter, who are deceased ; and Emily, who became Mrs. George S. Knox.

HILL, William, one of the leading men of Warsaw, who is now deceased, was born in Stoke-Climson, Devonshire, England, in 1832, a son of John and Harriet (Browning) Hill, who had the following children: Charlotte (Black), John, Henry, Walter, Thomas, James, William, Peter and Emily (Knox). In 1834 John Hill brought his family "to Walker Township, having come there from Devonshire, England, by way of New York City and Frankford, Pa., and located on a farm.

From their farm in Walker Township, the ac- tivities of the Hill family, as the boys grew to manhood under the virile leadership of their father, extended over Hancock County, and identified them for all time with the develop- ment of Warsaw and the industries of the Mis- sissippi Valley, and many of the buildings which they erected are still standing, monu- ments to the skill and thoroughness of their contractors.

Except for the few years which he spent on the Mississippi River and in attending school at St. Louis, Mo., William Hill made Warsaw his home, where, up to the time of his death in 1890, he was one of the leading men. In 1864 he organized the First National Bank of Warsaw, now the Hill-Dodge Banking Com- pany, was its first president and served as such as long as he lived. He was interested in railroad building, was a constructive optimist with a practical vision and abiding faith in the possibilities and prosperity of the Mississippi Valley, identifying himself with every movement for the advancement of this section of the country.

In 1862 William Hill was married to Laura Hinch, a daughter of Thomas and Mary (Pierce) Hinch of Mount Vernon, Ind., who survived him together with their three daughters and one son, who were as follows: Mrs. John H.

Finlay, Mrs. Frank H. Connor, Mrs. Frederic L. Davis, and William L. Hill.

HINKLE, Samuel A., one of the prosperous farmers of Hancock County, owns and occupies a fine farm in St. Albans Township. He was born in Crawford County, Pa., January 1, 1853, a son of Henry and Sophia (Franza) Hinkle, natives of Pennsylvania. Leaving their native state, these parents came west in 1858 to Adams County, Ill., and remained there until 1862, in that year locating in St. Albans Township. The year following they bought 120 acres of land which was unimproved with the exception of thirty acres which had been broken. On this farm the father built a house and other build- ings, and placed the land under cultivation. He died in 1909, aged eighty-five and one-half years, the mother having died in 1906, aged seventy- five years. Their children were as follows : Catherine, who is deceased; Samuel A .; Charles, who is deceased; Elijah, who lives in St. Albans Township; and Frank, who lives with his brother, Elijah.

Samuel A. Hinkle attended the district schools and lived at home until his marriage, which occurred December 28, 1875, when he was united in marriage with Eudora Simpson, born in Adams County, Ill., a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Hinsicker) Simpson. Mr. and Mrs. Hinkle rented land in St. Albans Township until 1909, when, after the death of Mr. Hin- kle's father, they bought eighty acres of land of the home place, and since then have made many improvements. Here Mr. Hinkle carries on general farming and stockraising, but since 1915 has rented about forty acres of the land.

The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Hinkle are as follows: Eugene, who died at the age of three years; Nevada, who is Mrs. George Worth of Chili Township; Ralph Ernest, who is a druggist of West Point, Ill. Mr. Hinkle belongs to the Christian Church, of which he has been all elder ever since 1903. He is a Republican. For some years he has been a member of West Point Lodge, I. O. O. F., and served it as treas- urer for twelve years. A hard-working man, Mr. Hinkle deserves the prosperity which has attended him, and is recognized as one of the representative men of his neighborhood.

HITZ, Adam, a prosperous farmer of St. Mary's Township, is carrying on general farming and stockraising on his farm of 160 acres on sec- tion 12 of this township. He was born in Penn- sylvania, May 22, 1867, a son of Adam and Mary (Hicks) Hitz, natives of Pennsylvania, who died in that state after years devoted to farming. The father was a Democrat in his political views. He and the mother were members of the United Brethren Church.

Adam Hitz, the younger, whose name heads this review, was reared in Pennsylvania, where he attended the district schools, and remained there until 1894, when he came west to Astoria, Ill., and worked there for six months. In 1896 he came to his present farm, where he has since

1238

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY

remained, and since then he has improved his place considerably.

On January 16, 1896, Mr. Hitz was married to Emma Cassel, at Vernon, Ill. She was born in Pennsylvania, February 2, 1872, a daughter of Manuel Cassel, a native of Pennsylvania, who is now deceased. Mrs. Cassel, who was also born in Pennsylvania. survives, and lives at Bates Station, Ill. Mr. and Mrs. Hitz have the following children : Harvey, Ira, Mable, Clifford, Gertie and Howard. Mr. Hitz is inde- pendent in his political views, and at one time served as road commissioner of St. Mary's Town- ship. He is a sound business man, excellent farmer and good citizen, and has earned the confidence he inspires.

HOBART, Isaac Newton, now deceased, was formerly one of the representative men of Han- cock Township, and is remembered in his for- mer home with affectionate respect. He was born in Fountain Green Township, January 10, 1834, a son of Norman and Ura Eaton (Holli- day) Hobart, he born at Essex, N. Y., Decem- ber 29, 1810, and she in New York. In 1833, Norman Hobart came to Rushville, Ill., where he was married and then came to Hancock County, and after living for one year in Foun- tain Green Township, settling in Carthage Township, he bought a farm and operated a carding machine. Later he bought the old grist- mill on Crooked Creek, rebuilt it, and made it into a steam mill. He then bought eighty acres of land one mile from Carthage, where he was living when he died December 13, 1878. For many years he has served as a local preacher of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and assisted in erecting the first church in Fountain Creek Township, and in building the first wagon road in that township. His wife was a daughter of Moses and Celia (Skirvin) Holliday,

Isaac Newton Hobart attended the common schools until he was sixteen years old when he began to work in the grist-mill owned by his father, and was so employed for eleven years. On January 31, 1861, he was married to Mary E. Duffy, born in Hancock Township, June 10, 1840, a daughter of Anthony and Mary Matilda (Spangler) Duffy, born in Pennsylvania. Hav- ing acquired a wife, Mr. Hobart bought a farm of 100 acres from his father, which was located on section 6, Hancock Township, on which a log house was standing, and he and his bride lived in it for six years. He then bought land adjoining his orginal farm, on which there was a small frame house, and he moved it on his homestead, but replaced it in 1878 by a large frame dwelling. From time to time, Mr. Ho- bart kept on adding to his farm until he had 640 acres in Hancock and Carthage townships, and eighty acres in Pilot Grove Township, Mrs. Hobart owns 160 acres in Adrian County, Mo., now operated by her son. Mr. and Mrs. Ho- bart had the following children : Mary Emily, who is the widow of Joseph Kuntz, lives with her mother on the home place; Carrie Luella, who is the widow of Samuel Sowers of Ne- braska; Joseph N., who lives in Hancock Town-

ship; Dennis W., who lives in Adrian County, Mo .; Eva Elizabeth, who is deceased, was Mrs. John McConnell of Carthage, Ill .; Lillie Es- tella, who is Mrs. Morris Yetter of Fountain Green Township; Matilda E., who is Mrs. John Herron of Nebraska; Ura Amanda, who is Mrs. Wyman Mills of Carthage Township; Isaac N., who is operating the homestead; Ethel B., who is Mrs. William E. Kuntz; and Mabel Grace, who is deceased, was Mrs. Gerard Moseley.

Mr. Hobart died April 21, 1911, since which time Mrs. Hobart has lived on the home place, which her son, Isaac N. conducts. The Metho- dist Episcopal Church had in Mr. Hobart a de- vout member. He was a Republican and held several township offices. Well known as a member of Burnside Lodge No. 68, A. F. & A. M., Mr. Hobart's memory was honored after his death by resolutions of respect from his lodge, signed by H. C. Herbert, R. C. Gibson and Peter Jackson.

HOHL, John F., one of the successful fruit grow- ers of Hancock County, is a valued resident and property owner of Nauvoo. He was born at Nauvoo, September 17, 1864, a son of John and Elizabeth (Ruland) Hohl, natives of Germany, who were married in that country, and then in 1838 came to America. From 1838 to 1848, they lived in Pennsylvania, where he was a carpenter, although he had been a butcher in Germany. In 1848 they came to Nauvoo, and here he fol- lowed both trades, and became the owner of a farm in Sonora Township, now included in the city limits of Nauvoo. His death occurred February 9, 1899, the mother having passed away in 1889. Their children were as follows : John F., who was killed while a soldier in the Union army during the Civil War, April 6, 1862, as a member of Company F, Forty-third Illi- nois Volunteer Infantry; Justus, who is de- ceased ; Catherine, who is Mrs. William Geiges of Philadelphia, Pa .; Jacob, who died at the age of three years; William and Eliza, who are both deceased ; Ernestine, who is Mrs. L. J. Little, is a widow of Tingley, Iowa; Joseph, who is deceased; Henry, who lives at Mobile, Ala .; George B., of Los Angeles, Cal .; Lydia, who died in infancy ; John F .; and Louis E., who lives at Nauvoo.

John F. Hohl attended the common schools of Nauvoo until he was eighteen years old, and then went to Grand Junction, Col., where he worked in a brick factory for some months, leaving there for the San Juan Mining country, remaining in Colorado for one year. Mr. Hohl then went to Denver, Col., where he conducted an artesian well drill, operating from Denver all over the state, and it is a recognized fact that his wells are the best Colorado has ever had drilled. In 1888 Mr. Hohl returned to Nauvoo, and became a raiser of fruit. In 1890 he bought one acre of land in the city, adding to his land until he now has four acres in grapes, and several acres in apples, strawberries and other small fruits.

On November 5, 1889, Mr. Hohl was married to Louisa Bruegger, of Nauvoo, a daughter of

1239

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY

Christian and Caroline (Auer) Bruegger, he born in Switzerland, and she at Louisville, Ky., and they were married at Nauvoo, where Mr. Bruegger became very prominent politically. His death occurred July 10, 1895, and his wife died August 15, 1895. Mr. and Mrs. Hohl have one daughter, Edna, who is Mrs. M. A. Beger, of Maquon, Ill. Mr. Hohl is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and Mrs. Hohl not only belongs to this church, but also to its societies, and the Woman's Relief Corps. A Democrat, Mr. Hohl was elected on his party ticket as alderman from his ward. His fra- ternal relations are with the Keokuk Lodge, L. O. O. M. No. 704.

HOLTSCLAW, Thomas Edward, one of the pros- perous business men of Hamilton, is conducting a first class modern grocery in the northwestern part of the city, and enjoys a large trade. He was born in Bear Creek Township, this county, near Basco, September 1, 1874, a son of John Harrison and Mary (Harrison) Holtsclaw, the former of whom was born in August S, 1830, died August 25, 1906, and the latter, born December 27, 1837, died in 1909. Their children were as follows: Charles Mansfield, who lives near Carthage, Ill., and is a farmer; George Wesley. who is a farmer of Iowa; Perry, who is a farmer of Kansas; Ethel, who is the wife of William Price, a farmer living near Elvaston, Ill .; Lizzie, who is the wife of William Millen, a carpenter of Abingdon, Ill .; and Thomas Edward.

Thomas Edward Holtsclaw attended the com- mon schools of his native township, and re- mained at home until he was twenty-two years old. Until 1907, he devoted himself to farm- ing, but in that year came to Hamilton, and in 1812 embarked in his present business. He carries a full line of staple and fancy groceries.

On October 6, 1896, Mr. Holtsclaw was mar- ried to Kate Batty, a daughter of Thomas and Julia (Christfield) Batty, the former of whom was born at Jacksonville, Ill., April 27, 1837, and died April 7, 1903; and the latter was born at Madison, Ind., February 22, 1838. Mrs. Holtsclaw was born at Hamilton, Ill., January 23, 1874. Mr. and Mrs. Holtsclaw have three liv- ing children, namely : Clarence Edward, who was born August 29, 1898; Ralph Batty, who was born February 4, 1904 ; and Beulah Morrow, who was born September 28, 1908. Mr. Holtsclaw belongs to Hamilton Lodge No. 697, I. O. O. F., and has passed all the chairs in it, being now past Grand. He is a Republican, but has never held office. An excellent business man, he has built up a trade that is based upon honest dealing and fair treatment, and he stands very well in his community.

HOOVER, Harvey Daniel, president of Carthage College, and one of the best known educators of the country, is a son of Samuel Enoch and Jane (Gable) Hoover, of New Oxford, Pa. This branch of Hoovers came originally from Switzerland, but they have lived in America since the early part of the eighteenth century.

Other branches of the family came from Ger- many. They have been farmers for the most part, sturdy of stock and thrifty in habit. There mingles in this line the religious faiths of Luther, Calvin and Zwingle.

Harvey Daniel Hoover was born near New Oxford, Pa., June 17, 1SSO, being his parents' firstborn. His education in the public schools was limited by the meagre course of that day, but he was ambitious to secure a proper train- ing for some profession. His parents stimulated his ambition and seconded his efforts and made every needed sacrifice to keep him at school and college. His common school courses were supplemented by private schools during the sum- mers of 1892 and 1893, at Abbotstown and New Oxford, Pa. In the fall of 1894 he entered Stevens Hall Preparatory School at Gettysburg, Pa. One year later he matriculated as a stu- dent in the Pennsylvania College at that same place. He was the first member of his large family of relatives, and the first boy of his country community to enter college. He fol- lowed the classified course and the next year entered Susquehanna University, as a sopho- more, and was graduated from that institution in 1899, with honors, receiving the A. B. degree. During the next three years he studied theology and graduate courses, receiving the M. A. and B. D. degrees in 1902. During the last few years he was also a tutor in the preparatory department of the institution. He was a dili- gent student and rather popular among his fellows. His student activities included such offices as president of his literary society, dra- matic club, historical society, social club and science club, captain of the 'varsity football team, manager of the baseball team, editor of the college paper, member of the college de- bating team, member of the glee and mandolin clubs, etc. For one year he was secreary to the

college president. He was a member of the Philamatrian Society, honor society. From 1902 to 1909, he served a number of churches as an enthusiastic and hard-workink pastor. These churches were located at Friedens and East Pittsburgh, and in different counties in Pennsyl- vania. His work as a preacher was recognized by the church, and he was elected secretary of the Pittsburgh Synod and held other offices of trust and responsibility. During these years from 1902 to 1911, he was also a diligent post graduate student, and holds a diploma of spe- cial honor from the Pittsburgh Bible School of Methods; another from the Schofield Bible School, and in 1907 completed his graduate work at the Illinois Wesleyan University, which conferred on him the degree of Doctor of Phil- osophy. His graduate work was done largely in philosophy and sociology. In 1907 his alma mater called him to take up the work of its distinguished senior professor, Rev. Professor J. R. Dunn, D. D., LL. D., L. H. D. In this posi- tion Mr. Hoover taught not only in the college department, but also in the school of theology. He was at that time without doubt the youngest full professor of theology in the United States,

1240

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY

not having reached his twenty-seventh birthday. Two years later he was known as the youngest college president in the country. In 1909 Mr. Hoover came to Carthage College as its eighth president and has also served this institution as professor of philosophy. During a portion of these ten years the courses in education were included in the department of philosophy and during one year the courses in history were also taught by him. Dr. Hoover is a diligent student and a voluminous reader. Besides many periodicals, and in addition to his regu- lar lines of graduate work, he reads several hundred volumes every year. He has made a special study of Russian history and social life. President Hoover is a public speaker in great demand. He has delivered many thousands of lectures throughout the country, east and west, and they are inspirational as well as instructive, and appeal to men in all walks of life.

In 1902 President Hoover was married to Miss Grace Stoch, who has contributed much to his success. They have one daughter, Dorcas Grace. Dr. Hoover is a member of the Luth- eran Church, and is an active Sunday School worker. He has completed all the courses of teacher training offered by the international association. Among other societies he belongs to the following: The American Academy for the Advancement of Science, Academy of Politi- cal Science, The American Sociological Society, The National Educative Association, The Long- fellow Society, being a life member, The Na- tional Historical Society, The Historical Society of Illinois. Brothers of the Book, the Masonic fraternity in which he has attained the degree of a Knight Templar, Society of Bible Teachers, The Lutheran Academy, as well as many others. He is an active correspondent with many per- sons and papers. Dr. Hoover is thoroughly de- voted to his duties as president of Carthage College, and indefatigable as an adviser and friend. enjoying the confidence and esteem of a large circle of college and other associates. He is a "dreamer of dreams," but also a "doer of the word."

HORNECKER, Carl F., a prosperous general farmer of Augusta Township, owns and operates sixty acres of fine land on section 16 of this township. He was born in Adams County, Ill., March 13, 1872, a son of John G. and Katherine (Wedeman) Hornecker, natives of Germany, who, after their marriage, left Ger- many, and came to the United States, arriving in this country about sixty years ago. They settled in Adams County, where they died.

Carl F. Hornecker attended the public schools of Adams County, and remained with his parents until his marriage, which occurred February 22, 1899, when he was united with Emma L. Stoeszel, born in Adams County, Ill., January 14. 1874, a daughter of William and Anna G. (Erthman) Stoeszel, natives of Germany, who came to the United States when young. They were married in this country. He is now de- ceased, but she survives, and lives at Columbus,

Ill. Mr. and Mrs. Hornecker have three chil- dren, namely : Florence, Clarence and Edna L.

After his marriage Mr. Hornecker moved on on his present farm, where he does general farm- ing and raises Poland-China hogs and Barred Plymouth Rock chickens, He is a Republican, and has served his district as a school director. The Methodist Episcopal Church holds his mem- bership. A man of industry, through hard work and thrift, he has accumulated what he posses- ses, and he is recognized as a good citizen.

HORNEY, John Edmond, one of the comfort- ably retired farmers of Carthage, is held in the highest respect by all who know him. He was born in Lamoine Township, McDonough County, Ill., August 28, 1853, a son of William and Louisa A. (Haggard) Horney, natives of North Carolina and Madison County, Tenn. The paternal grandparents were Samuel and Elizabeth (Peterson) Horney, the former of whom was born in 1791, and died December 15, 1884. His parents were killed by the Indians on the present site of Nashville, Tenn. The Horney family came early to Illinois. William Horney died in 1859, the father of the follow- ing children : Samantha, Henry and Melvana, all of whom are deceased; Mattie, who is Mrs. Hiram Pickard, of Salem, Iowa; Seth, who died in infancy ; John E .; and Mary and Charles. both of whom are deceased.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

Historical encyclopedia of Illinois and history of Hancock County, Volume II, Part 113

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