Historical encyclopedia of Illinois and history of Hancock County, Volume II, Part 114

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 114

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After the death of his father, John E. Horney went to live with an older sister at Plymouth, Ill. After two years he began working with a horse and wagon, and did farm work until December, 1870, when he drove a team to south- ern Kansas, and lived there for three years. He then came to Hancock County, and attended Carthage College during the winters and worked on farms in the summers, until he qualified him- self for school teaching. For about two and one-half years he was so engaged. He also accumulated land and had 240 acres in one body in Harmony Township. In 1897 he sold it and moved to a farm of 170 acres in Carthage Township and still owns it. In 1908 he bought a residence at 620 E. Wabash Street, Carthage, where he now lives.

Mr. Horney was married, August 25, 1878 to Amy Frances Daw, who was born in Harmony Township, this county, a daughter of Richard L. and Sarah Elizabeth (Moore) Huey Daw. Mr. Daw was born in England, and his wife near Columbia, Ky. In about 1857, Mr. Daw came to Hancock County, with a brother and two sisters. Mr. and Mrs. Horney have had the following children born to them: Arthur, who lives on his father's homestead ; Grace, who died at the age of five years; Alma, who is at home; and William Richard, who died in infancy. Mrs. Horney attended the district schools and Abing- don College, in Knox County. Mr. Horney belongs to the Christian Church, of which he has been a deacon since 1913. Mrs. Horney is an active church worker and belongs to all the societies connected therewith. In politics, a Republican, Mr. Horney has been a school director for many years; he was assessor of

FRANCIS M. SMITH

ELLEN SMITH

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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY

Harmony Township for three years. In Ma- sonry he has attained to the Knight Templar degree, and has been commander of the Car- thage commandery, and he and Mrs. Horney be- long to the Eastern Star.

HORTON, Millard Gifford, one of the substan- tial farmers of Appanoose Township, is a man widely known and universally respected. He was born at Nauvoo, January 18, 1861, a son of Philip T. and Malinda (Gifford) Horton, and grandson of James and Elizabeth (Ikerd) Hor- ton and Joseph C. and Lydia Gifford, all early settlers of Hancock County. A complete history of the Horton and Gifford families is given elsewhere in this work,

Millard Gifford Horton attended the Maple Grove district school, and remained at home until about 1884, when he went to Red Willow County, Neb., and spent two years taking up government land. Upon his return to Hancock County, he was married at Nauvoo, on April S, 1886, to Amelia Luella Hall, born in Appa- noose Township, a daughter of Nathan K. and Ruth (Briggs) Hall. After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Horton moved to the old Hall farm of eighty acres, just east of Nauvoo, which they now own, and they bought ten acres of timberland. Mr. Horton also owns 320 acres of land in Red Willow County, Neb., that he rents. He has always been a farmer and stockraiser, and has been very successful in his operations.

Mr. and Mrs. Horton became the parents of the following children: the first born, Grace died in infancy ; Nellie Adell, who is Mrs. Wil- liam Faulkner of Roseville, Cal .; Raymond, who died in 1914, was born in 1891; Ruth, one of twins, is living, but the other died in infancy ; and Clara, who is a public school teacher. Mr. Horton has served on the school board, and has always been a friend of educa- tion, and a supporter of measures calculated to advance his community and further the welfare of its young people.

HORTON, Philip T., now deceased, was for many years a prominent figure in the early de- velopment of Hancock County, and for the last fifteen years of his life, was an honored resi- dent of Nauvoo. He was born at Bedford, Ind., in 1832, a son of James and Elizabeth (Ikerd) Horton. James Horton was born in North Caro- lina of Welsh descent. His father was a slave- owner, but becoming convinced of the injustice of the practice, set his slaves free. Elizabeth (Ikerd) Horton was born in Virginia. In 1848, James Horton came to Nauvoo, intending to go on to Iowa, but being checked in the journey by excessive rains he stopped, and being pleased with the locality, settled here. By occupation he was a farmer.

Philip T. Horton was married to Malinda Gifford, born near Hollister Mills, Pa .. a daughter of Joseph C. and Lydia Gifford, natives of Boston, Mass., and Nova Scotia, respectively. The father of Joseph C. Gifford lost his life at sea when the whaling vessel on which he had sailed foundered. About 1848, Joseph C.

Gifford, who was a cooper by trade, brought his family to Nauvoo, making the trip over the Ohio and Mississippi rivers. During the last fifteen years of his life, he was totally blind.

After their marriage, Philip T. Horton and his wife lived first in Sonora Township, later going to Apponoose Township, where they owned land, and finally locating in Sonora Township. Mr. Horton was one of the first to own and operate a threshing machine, and was engaged in that line of business, in season, for twenty- five years, Prior to his marriage he and his two brothers, drove oxen to Kansas, intending to take up land, but having their ox-teams stolen they returned to Nauvoo, where Philip T. Horton was married. His death occurred at Nauvoo, in August, 1917, after fifteen years spent in that city. His wife died in 1884, while giving birth to their thirteenth child. The living children are as follows : Clare, who lives at Red Willow, Neb .; Susan, who is Mrs. Frank Ikerd of western Nebraska; Lydia, who is Mrs. John Ruff of Nauvoo; Addie, who is Mrs. John Weber of Red Willow County, Neb. ; Mary, who is Mrs. Albert Webb of Appanoose Town- ship; James J., who lives in Sonora Town- ship; and Millard Gifford.

HOUGH, William T., proprietor of the Imperial Stock Farm of 160 acres on sections 15 and 16, Chili Township, is a general farmer and stock- raiser, specializing on Aberdeen Angus cattle, Duroc-Jersey swine and White Plymouth Rock chickens. He was born in Montgomery County, N. C., April 26, 1850, a son of William and Elmira (Howell) Hugh, natives of North Caro- lina, who came to Illinois in 1869, and locating in Hancock County, were farmers here until they died.

William Hough attended the local schools of North Carolina and of Hancock County, and lived with his parents until he was twenty-four years old. His marriage took place September 4. 1879, when he was united with Mollie J. Burner, who died having had one child that died in infancy. On September 26, 1883, Mr. Hough was married (second) to Martha J. (Lyon) Jenkins, a daughter of T. G. Lyon, and the widow of William H. Jenkins. Their only child, Abbie G. Jenkins, is deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Hough have four children, namely : Claude, who is married to Eva Richardson, has a daugh- ter, Irene ; Ellamina, who is married to Charles Owen; E. Gilmore, who is at home; and Ellen who is also at home. Mr. Hough belongs to the Christian Church. Fraternaly he is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. He has always been a Democrat, and has served as a school director for two terms.

HOWARD, John F., now deceased, was for- merly actively engaged in farming in St. Albans Township, where he was held in the highest respect. He was born in that township, Janu- ary 2, 1886, a son of Frank and Ellen A. (Laf- fey ) Howard, natives of Hancock County. They were extensive farmers of St. Albans Township,

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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY

where she died January 3, 1919, he having passed away in March, 1SS7.

Growing up on his father's farm John F. Howard left it for his 160 acre farm in St. Al- bans Township after his marriage, and was there engaged in farming until his death De- cember 20, 191S. In addition to farming, Mr. Howard represented the Chevrolet Automobile Company in Walker, Bear Creek, St. Albans and a part of Chili Townships, and was the Hancock County representative for the Case tractor.

On February 3, 1909. Mr. Howard was mar- ried to Louise E. Mathews, born in Walker Township, January 20, 1886, a daughter of Samuel and Sarah (Hildebrand) Mathews, na- tives of Pennsylvania and Texas, respectively, and granddaughter of Henry Mathews of Penn- sylvania, and William and Louise (Nelson) Hildebrand of Adams County, Ill. After their marriage, Mr, and Mrs. Samuel Mathews set- tled on their large farm in Walker Township, and there he died December 18, 1895, she hav- ing continued to live on the home place ever since. Mr. and Mrs. Mathews had the following children : John Henry, who lives at Stillwell, Ill .; Iona, who is Mrs. William Dunbar of Walker Township; Samuel, who lives in Walker Township; Mrs. Howard ; and Ina, who is Mrs. Elva Howard of Walker Township. The chil- dren born to Mr. and Mrs. Howard were as fol- lows: Vera Gertrude, born October 30, 1909; Sarah Frances, born August 3, 1913; Lester Joseph, born April 21, 1915, and John F., who is deceased. Mr. Howard attended the Pleasant Hill School of St. Albans Township, and his widow the Green Hill School of Walker Town- ship. He was a Democrat. In religious faith both were born and bred Catholics. Mr. How- ard was taken away in the very prime of young manhood when he had every reason for living, and his loss was keenly felt by his fellow citi- zeus as well as his family.

HOWARD, Virgil H., owner and operator of 120 acres of valuable farm land on section 34, Har- mony Township, is one of the enterprising young agriculturalists of Hancock County. He was born in Harmony Township, April 12, 1SSS, a son of Edward and Ella (McArthur) Howard, na- tives of Illinois, who still survive and are en- gaged in farming in Harmony Township.

Virgil H. Howard was reared on his father's farm and attended the local schools, remain- ing at home until his marriage, which occurred January 29, 1008, when he was united with Orplia L. Rampley, born in this county, in March, 1889. Mr. and Mrs. Howard have one daughter: Winnivere O., who was born Sep- tember 27, 1908. Mrs. Howard is a member of the Christian Church, but Mr. Howard is not connected with any religious organization, and is very liberal in his views. He is a Republican, but has never cared for office. The Howard family is one of the best known and most highly respected in Hancock County, and Virgil H. Howard is a worthy representative of it.

HOWD, Albert O., D. O., the leading osteopathie physician of Augusta, with a branch office at Plymouth, is well and favorably known in Hancock County. He was born in Hancock County, February 25, 1885, one of the seven children born to his parents, Smith and Kath- erine (Yetter) Howd. Smith Howd was a successful farmer both in New York and Han- cock County, Ill., and he died October 2, 1910. The mother of Dr. Howd died December 31, 1907.

Albert O. Howd attended the common and a high school .in Hancock County, and the Gem City Business College of Quincy, Ill., being graduated from the latter institution in 1903. He then took up the practice of osteopathy, and attended Gittings Seminary in 1900-1901 and was graduated from the American School of Osteopathy, January 23, 1913. Immediately thereafter he began the practice of his pro- fession at Augusta, branching out later on and establishing an office at Plymouth.

In 1902 Dr. Howd was married to Miss Har- riet C. Shankle, a daughter of Joseph Shankle. Mrs. Howd died in May, 1917, leaving a daugh- ter, Mildred E., who was born August 26, 1904. In 1918 Dr. Howd was united in marriage to Edna Marie Lemmon, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Sterling P. Lemmon of Augusta. Mr. Lemmon is a well known banker and lawyer of that city.

Fraternally Dr. Howd belongs to the Masons. Eastern Star, Elks and Knights of Pythias, and is also a member of the Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company. Politically he is a Repub- lican. He is a member of the Augusta Board of Health, and of the town board, and in December,

appointed of the a mem- ber of Illinois State Council

Defense. A skilled operator, an educated man, and public-spirited citizen, Dr. Howd is one of The worth-while men of Hancock County, and is making his influence felt in a way that will benefit the country at a time when the assistance of all loyal people is needed.

HUDDLESTON, D. Clark, an expert blacksmith of St. Mary's, is one of the reliable men of this neighborhood who comes of an old family of Hancock County. He was born in this county, July 16, 1881, a son of D. W. and Mary (Ellis) Huddleston, natives of Tennessee and Illinois. D. W. Huddleston was a blacksmith for sixty years, and worked at his trade at Plymouth for forty years. Both he and his wife are now deceased. While he gave an earnest support to the candidates of the Democratic party, he never cared for office. In religious convictions he was a follower of Alexander Campbell. For many years he was a Mason in good standing.

Clark Huddleston attended the common and a high school of Hancock County, and began learning his trade from his father, completing his apprenticeship with other blacksmiths, and in 1914 opened a shop of his own at St. Mary's. His is one of the best equipped shops in the county, and he has an excellent trade.

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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY

On March 27, 1909, Mr. Huddleston was mar- ried in Hancock County to Ethel A. Douglas, born in Ohio, in October, 1887. Mr. and Mrs. Huddleston have one son, Russell C. Mr. Hud- dleston is a Democrat, but like his father he is not an aspirant for public honors. He owns his shop and a residence at St. Mary's and has earned these through his own efforts. Hard- working and thrifty, he is a desirable addition to his community, and a loyal supporter of his country.

HUDKINS, Andrew, one of the highly esteemed residents of Ferris, is a retired farmer, having formerly been actively engaged in agricultural work. He was born in Harrison County, W. Va., November 18, 1843, a son of Elisha and Rachel (Mearns) Hudkins, natives of West Vir- ginia. In 1853 the family started for Illinois in a covered wagon, and until they reached the Chio River this was their means of transport. Taking the boat down the Ohio River to St. Louis they then went up the Mississippi River to Warsaw, where they hired a team to carry them the balance of the long trip to Pilot Grove Township. There they rented land until 1857, in which year a farm was bought in Prairie Township and lived upon until 1861, when it was sold, and once more Elisha Hudkins be- came a renter. In 1865, he bought another farm in Prairie Township, where he died in 1876.' His widow later moved to Oregon, where she died in 18SS. Their children were as fol- lows : Andrew ; Mary Jane, who is Mrs. William McCall, of La Grand, Ore .; }'loyd, who lives at Wilbur, Wash .; Walker, who lives at Albany, Ore .; and Leah, who is Mrs. John Brant, of North Powder, Ore.

In August, 1862, Andrew Hudkins enlisted for service during the Civil War, in Company B, One Hundred and Eighteenth Illinois Vol- unteer Infantry, and took part in the Vicksburg campaign, the battles of Fort Gibson, Cham- pion's Hill, Black River, was at Arkansas Post, and did scouting duty at Fort Hudson and at Baton Rouge, La. On October 1, 1865, he was mustered out of the service, and was discharged at Springfield, Ill., never having been injured during his long and active service. Returning home, Mr. Hudkins was employed in various ways until he began farming for himself in Prairie Township, renting land until 1887, when he bought eighty acres of improved land in that township, and conducted it until October 19, 1909, when he rented his farm, moved to Ferris, and bought an old house and lot. Since then he has thoroughly rebuilt and modernized his place, and has a comfortable home.

On April 30, 1879, Mr. Hudkins was married to Mary Richards, a daughter of Josiah Rich- ards, and she died July 26, 1880. On September 25, 1884, Mr. Hudkins was married (second) to Mary Agnes Mack, born in Ohio, a daughter of Samuel Mack, a native of Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Hudkins had one daughter, who died in infancy. In politics Mr. Hudkins is a Republican. Until it was disbanded, he belonged to the Ferris Post, G. A. R.

HUEY, Edward, a director of the Tri-County State Bank and a former merchant of Ply- mouth is now actively engaged in farming in Hancock County. He was born in Hancock County, February 19, 1862, one of the six chil- dren born to his parents, Erastus and Susan (Dale) Huey. Erastus Huey was born in Ken- tucky, which state he left when seven years old, being at that time brought to Hancock County, Ill., by his parents. Here he engaged in farming and spent the remainder of his life, dying in February, 1913. The mother of Edward Huey died in 1886.

Edward Huey attended the local schools of Hancock County and was a farmer for some years, and then, coming to Plymouth, embarked in a boot and shoe business, which he conducted for nine years. For the subsequent two years he was in a grain business at Plymouth, and then turned his attention toward farming once more, although he still resides at Plymouth. In politics he is a Democrat and is now serving as school trustee. Fraternally he is an Odd Fellow, and both he and his wife belong to the Rebekahs.

In February, 1906, Mr. Huey was married to Miss Josie Walton, a daughter of George Wal- ton, a native of Hancock County, who is now a retired farmer of Plymouth. Mr. Huey has a daughter, Minnie, who was born to his first marriage. Mr. Huey's interests are large in the county, and he has carried on his various busi- ness ventures in such a manner as to win the approval and confidence of all who know him.

HUEY, Grant S., one of the reliable men of Hancock County, is engaged in general farm- ing and stockraising on his farm of 233 acres on sections 14 and 11, St. Mary's Township. He was born at Benedict, Neb., May 27, 1893, a son of Bruce and Nellie Newlon, and when he was seven years old, he was adopted by Alfred P. Huey and his wife, natives of Hancock County, extensive farmers of this locality, who are now living in retirement at Wilmette, Il.

Grant S. Huey was reared by his foster par- ents, and sent to the local schools, and at the same time he was given a practical knowledge of farming, so that when he began conducting his own farm, he knew how to go about it and to make his work count for something worth while.

On December 12, 1917, Mr. Huey was married at Macomb, Ill .. to Frances Senn, born October 27, 1898. While Mrs. Huey is a Presbyterian, Mr. Huey belongs to the Baptist Church, in politics he is a Republican, but as yet he has not cared for public office, preferring to devote his time and attention to his private affairs. The Elks hold his membership. A young man of unusual promise, he bids fare to become a very important factor in the agricultural life of Hancock County.

HULL, William, a retired farmer now residing at West Point, was at one time a very prominent agriculturalist of St. Albans Township. He was born in County Down, Ireland, twenty

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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY

miles from Belfast, December 24, 1837, a son of William and Elizabeth (Rown) Hull, who died in Ireland. In 1872 William Hull whose name heads this review, came to the United States, and was engaged in farming for a year in Wayne County, Ohio, going from there to Lauderdail County, Ala., where he bought and conducted a farm for fifteen years. Selling it he came by steamboat on the Tennessee River and the Mississippi River carrying with him sixteen cows and four horses, to Warsaw, Ill., and the following year bought an eighty-acre farm from Robert McCune in St. Albans Town- ship, where he was engaged in general farm- ing until 1909. In that year he sold his farm, bought property at West Point, and has lived here since then in retirement.

In 1872 Mr. Hull was married to Martha Major, born in County Down, Ireland, a daugh- ter of John and Sarah (Black) Major. Mrs. Hull died September 11, 1917, leaving a daugh- ter, Sarah Elizabeth, and a son, John W. M. Hull. The latter lives in St. Albans Township, married May Huddelson and they have eight children, namely : Martha, Esther, Adeline, Wil- liam, Gerald, Ruby, Kenneth and Elmer. This daughter married Frederick Jacobs, who later died and she now lives with her father. Mr. and Mrs. Jacobs had the following children : Fred- erick William, Marthina G., John Earl, Paul Eugene and Gerald George.

William® Hull had but few educational ad- vantages, only attending a night school in his native land for a short time, but as he was bright and observant, he has become a well in- formed man. Prior to coming to the United States he was employed as a stockkeeper in a linen furnishing establishment at Bambridge, Ireland, for seven years. He is a Republican and has served as a school director. The Meth- odist Episcopal Church holds his membership. An honest, hardworking and thrifty man, he has prospered, and at the same time won and retains the confidence of all who know him.

HUMPHREY, Arda L., who is very profitably engaged in operating the homestead of his family in Hancock. Township is one of the reliable citi- zens of Hancock County. He was born in Foun- tain Green Township, in January, 1882, a son of Gill and Margaret (Yetter) Humphrey, natives of Adams County, Ill., and Fountain Green Town- ship, respectively. The maternal grandparents, Louis and Martha Yetter, were early settlers of Fountain Green Township, and he was a native of Pennsylvania. After their marriage, Gill Humphrey and his wife settled in Fountain Green Township, but in two years moved to Hancock Township and lived on rented land for four years, when they bought 116 acres of land on sections 2 and 11, where they lived and farmed until 1902, when they moved to Carthage, and there he died in May, 1906. His widow survives him and lives at Kansas City, Mo. Their children were as follows: Arda; and Martha, who is Mrs. Edward Miller, of Kansas City, Mo.

In 1907 Arda Humphrey assumed charge of

the homestead, which he rents from his mother, and here he carries on general farming. Mr. Humphrey is a well educated man, for after leaving the district schools, he took a course in Professor Meyer's Normal School, at Macomb, Ill. Since 1916 he has served as township trustee, to which he was elected on the Dem- ocratic ticket. He is insured in the Bankers of Iowa Insurance Company. A man of intel- ligent effort in his line, he has proven that farming pays, and that it is one of the best callings a man can adopt.

On October 7, 1906, Mr. Humphrey was mar- ried to Mattie Orth, born in Hancock County, May 9, 1886, a daughter of Henry and Rosa (Sells) Orth, and they have one daughter, Ardith, who was born January 24, 1919.

HUMPHREY, Blake Pilkington, one of the prosperous general farmers of Sonora Township, is one of the representative agriculturists of Hancock County. He was born in Chester County, Pa., May 9, 1851, a son of Thomas C. and Ann (Thorn) Humphrey. After the death of his first wife, May 18, 1851, Thomas C. Humphrey was married again.

Blake Pilkington Humphrey grew up in his native state, and there attended the common and high schools. When he was twenty-two years old, he came to Hancock County, and for the first year worked for the farmers of Sonora Township. He then rented land for four years, in the same township, when he was able to purchase his present farm of eighty acres in Sonora Township. Since then he has conducted this property, doing general farming, and his efforts have met with gratifying re- sults.

On August 19, 1875, Mr. Humphrey was mar- ried to Emily G. Davis, born at Carrollton, Ohio, a daughter of John and Elenor (Burton) Davis, who came to Hancock County in the fall of 1854. Mr. and Mrs. Humphrey have the fol- lowing children : Olive L., who is Mrs. Rollie Ash of Hancock County; Ethel, who is Mrs. Henry Schenck; and John Thomas, who is a farmer of Appanoose Township. Mr. and Mrs. Humphrey is a member of the Presbyterian Church, of which he has been an elder since 1915. In politics he is a Democrat. His fra- ternal connections are with the Modern Wood- men of America. A man of industrious and thrifty habits, he has been able to accumulate a valuable farm, and is in comfortable circum- stances through his own efforts.

HUNGATE, Florence (Matthews), now de- ceased, was for many years one of the devoted Christian women of La Harpe, whose life of good deeds stands as a monument to her ex- emplary character. She was born in Macomb, Ill., February 18, 1865, and was spared for many years of useful endeavor, passing away, at Kewanee, Ill., October 12, 1909, from injur- ies received in an automobile accident. Mrs. Hungate was the only daughter of her parents, James Wilson and Nancy (Henry) Matthews, and wife of John Hardisty Hungate.

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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY

When still a child Mrs. Hungate displayed such unusual musical talent, that her mother, then a widow, decided to have it developed, and gave her a thorough musical, as well as classical training at Monmouth, Ill., with a post-graduate course at Chicago. Having been thus prepared, Florence Matthews was for some years one of the leading instructors in music at Monmouth, and was organist of the Presbyterian Church, during the incum- bancy of Rev. Dr. Matthews, her uncle.

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois and history of Hancock County, Volume II, Part 114

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