Historical encyclopedia of Illinois and history of Hancock County, Volume II, Part 115

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 115

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On May 8, 1878, Florence Matthews was married to John Hardisty Hungate, of La Harpe, Ill., and they became the parents of five children, namely : Quinton Ward, Edith Clare, now Mrs. Ernest James Waddel, John Montgomery, Jean Bertha; who died in in- infancy, and Harold Grandison. Mrs. Hungate bequeathed to these children an honorable an- cestry, her paternal grandfather, Rev. John Matthews, D. D., having been the founder and first president of Hanover College, Hanover, Ind .; and her maternal grandfather, Rev. Wil- liam K. Stewart, having been the founder of

- the First Presbyterian Church of Macomb, Ill. Her father was president of McDonough College, at Macomb, Ill., and a man of rare ability, both as a scholar and writer.

From the time she was twelve years old, Mrs. Hungate displayed a realization of the im- portance of religious precepts, uniting at that tender age with the Presbyterian Church at Monmouth, but she transferred her member- ship to the Congregational Church at La Harpe, after her marriage, and continued a member of it until her death. She was chiefly instrumental in organizing The Women's Out- look Club, devoted to Civic and Community betterment, and had previously organized a class that took the full Chautauqua Course.

Her funeral services were conducted by a pastor of the Methodist Protestant Church, from Brimfield, Ill., Rev. Richard Pacey, D. D., and she was buried on October 16, 1909, in La Harpe Cemetery.

While Mrs. Hungate was an ideal wife and mother, her intellect and training fitted her for a broader outlook and she was able to give to her community a service not rendered by all of her sex. Appreciating the need of intel- lectual development, Mrs. Hungate inaugurated and carried out to a successful conclusion the founding of a library, securing from Andrew Carnegie an ample donation for that purpose, and always took a deep interest in the con- duct of its affairs. She was associated with the various activities of her church, both as member and official, and was a leader in so- cial events of the highest type. Her musical ability was at the disposal of her friends, and she could always be counted upon to exert it to the utmost when her services were re- quired. Her sudden death came as a shock to her community and the grief felt was gen- uine and profound, and sympathy was ten- dered her bereaved family from all ranks of life, for she was one who merited affection and esteem from everyone.

HUNGATE, John H., president of the First National Bank of La Harpe, and one of the leading financiers of Hancock County, as well as one of its most prosperous citizens, is known throughout a wide territory. He was born in Fountain Green Township, this county, June 2, 1838, a son of Adonijah and Elizabeth (Ward) Hungate, who bad sixteen children. Adoniah Hungate was born in Kentucky, but came to Fountain Green Township in 1833, and here remained until 1839, when he moved to a farm four and one-half miles east of La Harpe, finally moving to La Harpe, where he died.

John H. Hungate attended the preparatory school of Knox College and the Burlington Uni- versity, and then took up the study of law in the law department of the University at Evanston, and was graduated therefrom in the fall of 1862, and admitted to the bar in 1863. Immediately thereafter he began a general practice of the law at Macomb, Ill. Prior to this he served as circuit clerk and recorder of McDonough County, and was the originator of the system now in universal use in indexing the county records, and formulated the law which was adopted by the state. In 1874 Mr. Hungate turned his attention to finance, becoming presi- dent of the First National Bank of La Harpe, and he has also organized several other banks in the state, among them being the Title and Trust Company of Illinois, which later was merged into the Dime Savings and Trust Com- pany, of which he is still a stockholder .. He also helped organize the Peoria Lite Insurance Company, and has serve as vice president and chairman of the board of trustees of this insti- tution up to the present time, and upon the death of B. F. Johnson, of La Harpe, Ill., in 1906, he was appointed executor and trustee of his estate comprising eight farming properties of 2,400 acres of valuable land. He was also president of the board of directors of Gittings Seminary, at La Harpe, and also president of the board of education of the city of La Harpe. He built the La Harpe Electric Light & Power Company, now merged in the Western Utilities Co.

Mr. Hungate was married to Miss Florence E. Matthews, a daughter of James W. Mat- thews, a prominent man of Macomb, Ill., at one time president of McDonough College. Mrs. Hungate died in October, 1908, having borne her husband the following children: Quinton W., whose sketch appears elsewhere in this work; Edith C., who is the wife of Ernest J. Waddell of California ; John M., formerly cash- ier of the Farmers' National Bank of Warsaw, Ill., recently located in Chicago as a stockhold- er, director, and one of the active managers, of the First Joint Land Bank; and Harold G., who is an electrical engineer, now managing the Western Illinois Utilities Company which absorbed the La Harpe Electric Light and Power Company and gets electric power from Stone & Webster of the Keokuk Dam and will as soon as possible construct a line to Glad-

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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY

stone and transmit 500 horse-power of the same to a company organized to crush rock at the Gladstone quarry, and organizing a company to take it over and get power from Stone & Web- ster, at Keokuk. Mr. Hungate is a gold Denio- crat. He is a Mason, and professionally be- longs to the Hancock County Bar Association and the Illinois State Bar Association. For some years he has made it a practice to spend the winter months in California.

HUNGATE, Quinton W., vice president of the First National Bank of La Harpe, and one of the men associated with the growth and expan- sion of this sound financial institution, was one of three children born to his parents, John H. and Florence (Matthews) Hungate, his birth occurring at La Harpe, May 31, 1879. John H. Hungate was born in Fountain Green Town- ship, Hancock County, June 2, 1839, and was one of sixteen children born to his parents, Ebenezer and Elizabeth (Ward) Hungate.

Quinton W. Hungate attended the public schools of La Harpe, and the University of Chi- cago, and after completing his studies, he in 1900, entered the First National Bank as a clerk in a subordinate capacity, rising until in 1904 he was made its vice president, and he has remained with this institution ever since, his association with it giving it added strength. Associated with him in the bank as fellow offi- cials are his father, who is the president; C. H. Ingraham, who is the cashier; J. R. Booth, who is the assistant cashier, and John H. Hungate, J. R. Booth, H. S. Bradfield, W. N. Byler, Charles K. Todd, C. W. Warner, John M. Lyon and H. A. Towler, who are directors.

Mr. Hungate was married to Miss Ethel Law- rence, and they have two children, Elizabeth W. and John L. Fraternally he belongs to the Elks. The family belong to the Episcopal Church. Politically he is a Democrat.

HURDLE, Clinton E., D. D. S., has so fine a record as a dental surgeon that he is entitled to a foremost place among the men of his calling in Hancock County. His professional experience has all been gained at Augusta, to which he came in 1904. He was born near La Harpe, Ill., July 26, 1880, one of the eight children of Isaac N. and Henrietta (Doffemier) Hurdle. Isaac N. Hurdle was a well known and pros- perous farmer of Illinois.

Doctor Hurdle attended the public schools of Illinois, and then entered Giddens Seminary, at La Harpe, Ill., from which he was graduated in 1900. He then took the full dental course at Keokuk Dental College at Keokuk. Iowa, being graduated therefrom in 1904.

In April, 1903, Doctor Hurdle was married to Miss Mabel R. Peck, a daughter of Christian C. Peck. Doctor and Mrs. Hurdle have three children, namely : Gerald B., Clinton E., Jr., and Howard C. Doctor Hurdle and his family be- long to the Presbyterian Church. Politically a Republican, he served the town of Augusta two terms as a member of the town board. Fra- ternally he is a Knight of Pythias, and a Mason.

In addition to paying attention to his large and constantly increasing practce, Doctor Hurdle owns and conducts a farm near Augusta, Han- cock County, Ill., which comprises 100 acres of valuable land. He is very well and favorably known in this county, and is held in the highest respect.

HURDLE, Henry Albert, a successful farmer and stockman of La Harpe, is one of the rep- resentative men of Hancock County, and be- longs to one of its old families. He was born in La Harpe Township, March 5, 1876, a son of John M. and Elmira A. (Carr) Hurdle, natives of Franklin County, Ky.

Henry Albert Hurdle attended the district schools of La Harpe Township, and Gittings Seminary of La Harpe, and remained on the homestead until after his marriage, being en- gaged in conducting it for a time. He then went into the office of a Security, Abstract and Investment Company, where he remained for two years, then returned to La Harpe, and for two years was engaged in buying, selling and trading live stock. Mr. Hurdle then bought a farm of 14014 acres of land in La Harpe Town- ship, near the eastern part of the city of La Harpe, which was finely improved, but since then he has rebuilt the house. He now farms from seventy to seventy-five acres, having the balance in pasture, and he rents twenty-five acres additional, which he operates. He raises and trades mules, horses, cattle and hogs.

On January 29, 1908, Mr. Hurdle was mar- ried to Myrtle Hattie Reiselt, born at Shenan- doah, Iowa, a daughter of Henry and Rosa (Ketchem) Reiselt, born in Hancock County. Mr. and Mrs. Hurdle have two children : Vivian Olive. and Albert Nelson. In politics Mr. Hur- dle is independent. He is a Mason, and also belongs to Disco Camp No. 6SSS, M. W. A. For a number of years he was an Odd Fellow. A judicious farmer he understands how to make his efforts bring results. As a man he stands high in his community, and is an excellent rep- resentative of a fine old family.

HURST, Grover N., who operates 210 acres of very valuable land in St. Mary's Township, is recognized as one of the capable agricultural- ists of Hancock County. He was born in Mc- Donough County, Ill., January 16, 1892, a son of Edward and Sarah (Wheeler) Hurst, na- tives of Illinois, and farming people. He is now deceased, but she survives and makes her home at Macomb, Ill.

Grover N. Hurst attended the schools of his district and the Plymouth High School, from which he was graduated in the class of 1911. Immediately upon the completion of his school - days, he took charge of his present farm, on section 33, and here he carries on general farm- ing and stockraising, and has been very success- ful. On August S, 1913, Mr. Hurst was married to Ruby Cain, of St. Mary's Township, a daugh- ter of Adolphus Cain. Mr. and Mrs. Hurst have no children. Mrs. Hurst belongs to the Chris-

J. LAWRENCE WILLIS

PEARL WILLIS

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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY

tian Church. She has membership with the Royal Neighbors. Politically Mr. Hurst is a Democrat, but so far his time and attention have been too fully occupied with his farm du- ties to admit of his entering public life. Both he and Mrs. Hurst are well and favorably known throughout their district, and he is ac- counted a man fair in his dealings and upright in his life.

HUSTON, Samuel F., whose life work has been directed in agricultural lines, is so well known as to need no introduction to the people of Hancock County, or Carthage Township, where his farm is located. He was born in this county, January 12, 1855, the third child in a family of eight children born to his parents, seven of whom survive, and are now living in Hancock County. The father, John W. Huston, was born in Cumberland County, Pa., Sep- tember 11, 1826, and he died January 31, 1893. Katherine W. Black, mother of Samuel F. Hus- ton, was born July 3, 1831, near Gettysburg, Adams County, Pa., and she died November 21, 1904. Both parents attended the common schools of Pennsylvania, and acquired an ex- cellent educational training there. Mrs. Huston was a Christian woman, kind and charitable. She was a daughter of Thomas and Katherine (Whelms) Black.

After their marriage, which occurred in Penn- sylvania, John W. Huston and his wife came west by way of the Ohio and Mississippi rivers, and spent the winter of 1849-50 at Warsaw, Ill. In the fall of 1850 they located on a farm in Hancock Township, which he had bought, and their first house was a log one, which took fire but fortunately did not burn down, the night Samuel F. Huston was born. In the years which succeeded his location in Hancock County, John W. Huston accumulated a large amount of land, a goodly portion of which he placed under cultivation, and he and his ex- cellent wife passed through all the hardships incident to their times and community. Wild game was plentiful and as he was a great hunter the larder was never empty, his skill providing wild turkey, deer, ducks and other substitutes for the more civilized meats of older communities. Both he and Mrs. Huston were members of the Presbyterian Church. A strong Democrat. he was called upon, as one of the more intelligent and better educated men of his township, to hold office upon numerous oc- casions, and he discharged these obligations very acceptably. He and his wife passed away in Hancock Township, and their remains are interred in the cemetery at Majorville, Ill., a · beautiful monument marking their last resting place. The American founders of the Huston family came to the American colonies from Scotland, at that time the name being spelled Houston. A man of strong convictions, he was not afraid to stand up to his principles, and was never to be swerved from that what he believed to be his duty.

After attending the schools of his native county, Samuel F. Huston remained at home

until he attained his majority, securing a prac- tical knowledge of farm work. On December 26, 1878, he was married to Miss Sarah V. Spangler, and the children born to them are given at length below: Edith Lyle, the eldest, is the wife of A. E. Biery, and agriculturalist of Macon, Wis., and both of them attended the common schools. They belong to the Presby- terian Church. They have one daughter, Mary Katherine. Elsie G., who is living at home, attending the common schools, was given one the third child, is a farmer of Carthage Town- ship. He was married to Miss Dora Goenling, and they have one son, Samuel, who after attending the common schools, was given one term at Carthage College. In politics he is a Democrat. He registered in the last draft for service in the World War and held himself ready to respond if his country called him. Anna Mary is the wife of Emmerson Rose of Milesville, Mont., a railroad man, and they have one daughter, Irene. They are both mem- bers of the Presbyterian Church. After at- tending the common schools, Anna Mary took the classical course at Carthage College, and prior to her marriage was a teacher in her home township. Vera Helen is the wife of Harry Hays, a farmer of Hancock Town- ship, and they have a daughter, Maxim Eleanor. They are both members of the Methodist Church. Prior to their marriage she was a school teacher, having been graduated from the common and a high school in Hancock County. Mr. Hays is a Republican. Hubert S., who is one of the gallant soldiers of the American Expeditionary Force, who crossed to France in August, 1918, for service in the World War, was attached to the hospital corps. After being graduated from the common and a high school in Han- cock County, he matriculated at the Illinois School of Pharmacy, from which he was grad- uated, and after his entrance into the service of his country, he was attached to the hospital at Camp Dix, Trenton, N. J., which he left to go abroad. John Wilson is at home with his par- ents and is a graduate of Carthage High school, class of 1918.

Mrs. Huston was born in Hancock County, January 16, 1857, a daughter of Joseph T. and Anna Mary (Sample) Spangler. She had six brothers and sisters, of whom five others than herself survive, namely: Rebecca J., who is the wife of James Latherow, a merchant of Fountain Green, Ill., has two children, Eddie S. and Ruth, and they all belong to the Presby- terian Church; Emily, who is the wife of E. W. Huston, a retired farmer of Carthage, Ill., is now engaged in shipping stock, they have four children, and are members of the Presbyte- rian Church; Joseph E. is a farmer of Han- cock County, is married to Miss Ida Murtland, and has eight children; Edward, who is an agriculturalist of Hancock County, is married to Miss Fannie Murtland, and they have one son, Harry. Mr. Spangler, father of Mrs. Hus- ton, was born in Cumberland County, Pa., and he was a farmer, who came to Hancock County in pioner days, arriving here with a horse and

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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY

wagon in 1838, and entered land from the government, which is still in his family, the present being the third generation to possess it. He was a Republican, and held many public offices, among them being township treasurer and supervisor. He and his wife were mem- bers of the Presbyterian Church. Mrs. Spangler was born in Lancaster County, Pa., and at- tended its common schools. Both Mr. and Mrs. Spangler are now deceased.

The first land Mr. Huston bought was the 160 acres on which he still resides, going into debt for it, but through hard work and thrift he paid off this incumbrance and bought eighty acres additional so that now he has 240 acres, on which he is raising stock, making a specialty of Shorthorn cattle which are registered, Per- cheron horses and Duroc-Jersey hogs. exhibiting at the various fairs in the state. His farm is known as the Hustonian Stock Farm, and his products meet with a ready sale at high prices because of the quality. Politically he is a Dem- ocrat, and is a great admirer and supporter of President Wilson. Since he was twenty-one years old, he has been a school director, and is a great friend of the public school system, as was his father before him. A Mason in good stand- ing, he belongs to Carthage Lodge, A. F. & A. M .; Carthage Chapter, R. A. M .; Carthage Commandery, K. T., and he also belongs to Carthage Camp, M. W. A. Both he and Mrs. Huston belong to the First Presbyterian Church of Carthage, of which he is a trustee. This denomination has lost two churches by fire, to the erection of which Mr. Huston contributed liberally, and he was on the building committee which erected the third and present one, in addition to subscribing generously. Mr. and Mrs. Huston are justly numbered among the most representative people of the county. They come of old and honored families, and have brought up a fine lot of children to do them honor and become desirable citizens of this and other communities.

INGERSOLL, Hiram, one of the progressive farmers of Prairie Township, owns and operates a choice 125-acre farm, one half of which is within the corporate limits of Elvaston. He was born at Miami, Hamilton County, Ohio, June 19, 1841, a son of John and Elizabeth (Tattersall) Ingersoll, he born in Miami, Ohio, and she in Alexandria, Va. The paternal grand- father, James Ingersoll, was born in New York, and the maternal parents, Thomas and Nancy (Boyd) Tattersall, were born in England. The grandfather on his mother's side was a shoe- maker. John Ingersoll died in February, 18SS, his wife having died in 1843.

Hiram Ingersoll attended the local schools and grew to manhood in Ohio. After the death of his mother, he worked as a farm hand, and lived with his father until he was twenty-one, at which time he left Ohio for Burlington, Iowa, and was employed in a nursery from 1862 to 1863. In February, 1864, he enlisted for service in the Civil War, in the Seventh Iowa Volunteer Infantry, and was assigned to the Fifteenth

Army Corps, under General Sherman, and was in the campaign against Atlanta and on the famous march to the sea. At the close of the war he was in the Grand Review at Washington, and marched down Pennsylvania Avenue with the rest of his comrades in stately review. Dur- ing his period of service he took part in twenty- seven engagements, and at the battle of Resaca he was wounded on his right elbow by a gunshot, and still carries a scar. In July 22, 1865, he was honorably discharged, returned to Burling- ton, Iowa, where he worked once more in the nursery and was also engaged in farming until December, 1866, he returned to Ohio, and for a time worked by the month in the vicinity of his old home.

On April 13, 1867, he was married to Mary Elizabeth Peterman, born in Iowa, a daughter of George and Margaret (Martin) Peterman, natives of Virginia and former slaveowners. After his mrriage, Mr. Ingersoll came to Han- cock County and located in Montebello Town- ship, renting land there until 1874, when he bought a farm and conducted it until the spring of 1876. He then sold his farm and bought a larger one, lived upon it until 1882, when once more he sold and bought 160 acres in Prairie Township, where he now resides. He remodeled the buildings and erected new barns, improving the place thoroughly. He has always looked after the farming himself. When the old frame schoolhouse of Elvaston was abandoned, he bought it, moved it to his farm, and has made excellent use of it since then.

Mr. and Mrs. Ingersoll have had the follow- ing children : Olive V., who was born December 4, 1868, died August 9, 1902; Daisy B., who was born May 3, 1873, is Mrs. John C. Duncan, died October 25, 1918, leaving two children. Russell H. and Marie O., both of whom live with their grandfather, Mr. Ingersoll, now being orphans. Mr. Ingersoll is a member of the Baptist Church which he serves as a deacon. He is a Republican and has been highway commissioner for twelve years. He was secretary for twenty-four years of the Prairie Township Mutual Fire Insurance Company, which he helped to found, and he is now a director of it. He belongs to the Masons of Elvaston. and Russell Post No. 86. G. A. R., of which he was commander in 1915.

INGRAHAM, Charles H., cashier and director of the First National Bank of La Harpe, and one of the sound and reliable men of Hancock County, is held in the highest esteem by all with whom he is brought into contact. He was born at New York City, November 27, 1853, one of a family of ten children born to his par- ents, Ramson and Marguerite (Flynn) Ingram. Ramson Ingram was early in life a mechanic, then engaged in a mercantile business, later was a newspaper man, and finally embarked in a contracting line, in which he was engaged when his death occurred February 19, 1915. He was born in New York City, July 29, 1827, and he came to La Harpe in 1857, and made this place his home the remainder of his life.

From the time he was four years old, Charles

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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY

H. Ingraham lived in Hancock County, so he is thoroughly identified with its growth and prog- ress. For a number of years he was asso- ciated with his father in a contracting business, but in 1887 connected himself with the banking interests of the county, and in 190S was made cashier of the First National Bank of La Harpe, and has continued to hold that office ever since.

Mr. Ingraham was married to Miss Lillie B. Hungate, and they have three children, namely : Helen M .; Grace, who is the wife of Marion Smith, a prosperous farmer ; and Florence, who is the wife of Thomas Roberts, a member of the well known Roberts family of La Harpe. Mr. Ingraham's family belong to the Congregational Church of La Harpe. Fraternaly he belongs to the Masons, Odd Fellows, Woodmen of the World and the Court of Honor, and in politics he is a staunch Republican.

INGSTROM, Peter E., a successful general farmer of La Harpe Township, is justly num- bered among the leading agriculturalists of Hancock .County. He was born in Sweden, in June, 1859, a son of Peter Anderson and Sophia Johanna (Pierson) Ingstrom, who came to the United States in 1865, settling at Burlington, Iowa. The father was a fisherman in Sweden, operating along the shores of the Baltic Sea, and he was also a hunter. After coming here he engaged in fishing along the banks of the Mississippi River, making his own nets, and doing a good business. His death occurred in 1882. The mother survived him until 1900. Their children were as follows : Peter E .; Rena Amanda, who is deceased; L. Oscar, who lives at Hampshire, Neb .; Leonard, who lives at Greely, Col .; William, who lives in Arkansas ; and Helma, who is Mrs. Charles Edwards.

Peter E. Ingstrom attended the public schools of Burlington, and remained with his parents until he was eighteen years old, when he went to Warren County, Ill. His father dying soon afterwards, he joined his mother, and lived with her until his. marriage, which took place March 22, 1893, when he was united with Jo- hanna Sophia Johnson, born in Sweden. Mr. and Mrs. Ingstrom have had the following chil- dren born to them: Ethel and Lela, who are at home; Ruby and Rene, who are twins; and Edward Welden, who died at the age of six- teen years.

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois and history of Hancock County, Volume II, Part 115

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