Historical encyclopedia of Illinois and history of Hancock County, Volume II, Part 117

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 117

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In December, 1SS9, Mr. Jemison was married to Mary Fageol, born at Nauvoo, a daughter of John Fageol, a native of France. Mr. and Mrs. Jemison have no children. They are Catholics. In politics he is a Democrat.

JENIFER, Oliver P., one of the enterprising farmers of Rocky Run Township, has long been associated with the agricultural life of Hancock County. He was born in Walker Town- ship, this county, September 28. 1843, a son of John Samuel and Jemina (Mace) Jenifer, the former born at Falmouth, Ky., May 25, 1797, and the latter in West Virginia. January 17, 1809, and they were married at Frankfort, Mo., and came to Illinois at an early day. The father was a school teacher. In 1856 he went to California, but returned to Illinois in 1859, and spent the balance of his life in Han- cock County, where both he and the mother died. The Jenifer family immigrated from France before the American Revolution, and settled in the eastern part of Maryland. Daniel Jenifer, of St. Thomas. Md., was a delegate from Maryland who signed the constitution of the United States, and he was a great uncle of Oliver P. Jenifer. Capt. W. H. Jenifer was a distinguished officer n the Confederate army during the Civil War.

Oliver P. Jenifer attended the common schools of his native township, and grew up on the farm. He has always operated his present farm, of 116 acres on sections 14 and 15, Rocky Run Township. For seven years he was supervisor of his township; he served as road commis- sioner for nine years, and has been town clerk and school director, all of his political work being done as a member of the Democratic party. He has always given his warm support to everything which in his opinion tended to- ward the development and upbuilding of the part of Hancock County, in which he lives.

On March 6, 1865, Mr. Jenifer was married at Shelbina. Mo., to Caroline Wells, a daughter of James H. and Victoria (Daniels) Wells, who

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was born at Liberty, Ill., January 22, 1847. Mr. Wells was born March 14, 1815, and Mrs. Wells, May 15, 1822. Mr. Wells came from West Virginia, and Mrs. Wells from Kentucky, and they were married at Payson, Ill., July 26, 1838. Mr. and Mrs. Jenifer have liad the follow- ing children : James Polk, Joel, Minnie, Lenora, Grover C. and Willie. Minnie and Lenora died after reaching womanhood, but the other chil- dren survive. Mr. Jenifer is one of the leading farmers and officials of Rocky Run Township, and one of the most effective workers in the Democratic party in Hancock County, and his name is known all over this part of the state, and it stands for integrity and uprightness of purpose and action.

JENKINS, J. T., M. D., a very successful phy- sician and surgeon of Carthage, and a man widely known and universally respected, was born in Clark County, Mo., February 18, 1868, a son of John W. and Anna (Henshaw) Jen- kins, both of whom were reared and educated in Missouri.

Dr. J. T. Jenkins spent his boyhood on a farm in his native state, and attended the pub- lic schools of his neighborhood until he was sixteen years old, at which time he entered Westminster College, at Fulton, Mo., and re- mained for three years. In 1887 he entered the medical college at Keokuk, Iowa, but after a year left and entered the Missouri Medical Col- lege at St. Louis, Mo., where he was graduated in 1890, with the degree of M. D. Immediately thereafter he located at Tioga. Ill., and spent two years, leaving it for Burnside, Ill., where he was engaged in practice for nine years. He then came to Carthage, where he has since re- mained. Dr. Jenkins is a member of the Han- cock County Medical Society, and has served twice as its president, and he also belongs to the Illinois State Medical Society and the Amer- ican Medical Association.

On December 20, 1893, Dr. Jenkins was mar- ried to Elsie B. Cherry, who was born in Iowa. They have three children, as follows: Herbert C .. who is a graduate of Carthage Academy ; James T., who was graduated from the Car- thage high school, is a student in the medical de- partment of St. Louis University ; and Hall, who is a graduate of the Carthage Academy. They belong to the Presbyterian Church. Dr. Jenkins is a member of Hancock Lodge No. 20, A. F. & A. M .. of which he is past master ; Carthage Chapter No. 33. R. A. M .; Inglevere Commandery No. 75. K. T .; Bentley Lodge No. 412. I. O. O. F., and both he and Mrs. Jenkins belong to the local chapter of the Eastern Star which she has served as worthy matron, and he as worthy patron. In politics Dr. Jenkins is a Democrat. Without any doubt Dr. Jenkins is well qualified to meet the requirements of his profession, and is recognized as a leading phy- sician and surgeon of Carthage. He is now lo- cal surgeon for the C. B. & Q. Railroad.

JOHANSEN, J., who is successfully engaged in a merchant tailoring business at Carthage, is

one of the substantial men of Hancock County, He was born in Nebsager, Denmark, April 10, 1867, where he spent his boyhood, living on a farm. Until he was fourteen years old he attended the neighborhood schools and was con- firmed in the Lutheran Church. He then served an apprenticeship of three years at the tailor trade.

In 1886 he embarked for the United States and landed in due time at New York City, from whence he made his way to Burlington, Iowa. From June to October of that year he worked in the railroad yards at that point, when he secured employment at his trade. For the sub- sequent ten years he worked at his trade at Burlington, and then he came to Stronghurst, Ill., where he opened a shop of his own, con- ducting it for five years. Selling his place, he returned to Burlington where he worked for a year. Once more he came to Illinois, and became a cutter for a La Harpe clothing firm, but after three years located at Carthage, and on February 1, 1902, he opened his present establishment and has made a success of his undertaking, his garments having a distinctive style that keeps his custom.

On May 7, 1SSS, Mr. Johansen was married to Mary Rasmussen, born in Holstein, Germany, June 16, 1861, and came to this country in girlhood, and attended its schools. Mr. and Mrs. Johansen have four children, namely : Frederick A., who was graduated from the Car- thage High school and the medical department of the Chicago School of Medicine and Surgery, is engaged in practice at Kahoka, Mo .; Virgil M., who was graduated from the Carthage High school, took one year at Carthage College, and is now doing lyceum work as a violinist and singer ; Mabel M., who is a graduate of the Carthage High school and the Chicago Kinder- garten Institute, is teaching; and Mary K., who is a student in the public schools. The family belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which Mr. Johansen is a member of the official board, and its secretary, and he is active in Sunday school work, having served it as superin- tendent for four years. Fraternally he belongs to Carthage Lodge No. 20, A. F. & A. M., and Bentley Lodge No. 412, I. O. O. F., being past grand in the local lodge, and grand conductor in the grand lodge of Illinois. He is also a member of the Encampment of which he is past chief patriarch, and present scribe. A Republican, he has been very active in his party, and at present is city treasurer of Car- thage, an office he is worthily filling.

JOHNSON, Clyde P., an attorney-at-law at Carthage, and one of the brilliant young men of his profession whose ability and scholarly attainments place him in the front ranks of Hancock County lawyers, was born in St. Mary's Township, this county, February 7, 1881, a son of John and Mary V. (Everhart) John- son. John N. Johnson was born in Virginia, and when sixteen years old he came to Hancock County, where he was married. After his mar- riage he settled on the farm where he still lives.

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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY

In politics he is a Democrat. Four children were born to him and his wife, namely: Otho R., who is married, is a farmer of St. Mary's Township ; Clyde P., whose name heads this re- view; Ivan L., who is a farmer of Hancock Township, is married, but has no children; and Ethel M., who is the wife of Lawrence Rich- ards, lives at Plymouth, Ill.

Clyde J. Johnson spent his boyhood on his father's farm, and after attending the district schools, spent two years in the Carthage high school, and then took a course at the Carthage College, from which he was graduated with the degree of B. S. He then entered the law de- partment of the Northwestern University at Chicago, and was graduated therefrom with the degree of LL. B. in 1908. In the following fall he was elected state's attorney of Hancock County and held that important office until 1916, being re-elected to it. Upon the expira- tion of his second term, he resumed his legal practice and is one of the most successful mem- bers of the Hancock County bar.

On May 5, 1909, he was married to Irma Jewell of Monmouth, Ill. They have no chil- dren. She has the degree of B. S., conferred upon her by the Burlington, Iowa, University. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a member of Han- cock Lodge No. 20, A. F. & A. M., of which he is past master ; to Carthage Chapter No. 33, R. A. M .; Inglevue Commandery No. 75, K. T., and the Mystic Shrine at Peoria. In politics he is a Democrat, and he is a power in his party.

JOHNSON, D. M., one of the prosperous farmers of Hancock County, owns and operates 275 acres of land twelve miles southeast of Carthage on section 34 in Hancock Township, and section 3 in St. Mary's Township, but he resides at Carthage. He was born in St. Mary's Town- ship, July 4, 1865, a son of Matthew M. and Mary A. (Bacon) Johnson. Matthew M. John- son was born in Champaign County, Ohio, July 7, 1843, and died April 7, 1906. His wife was born October 18, 1843, and survives him, now making her home at Carthage. They were married in McDonough County, Ill., and then located in St. Mary's Township. Active in religious work, Matthew M. Jolinson helped to build the only church at St. Mary's Prairie. He was a Republican and served his township as supervisor for twelve years. Fraternally he was a Mason, attaining to the Thirty-second degree in that order. During the Civil War he served his country as a soldier. His four sons were as follows : D. M., whose name leads this review; John B., who lives at Car- thage; Damon J., who lives in Chicago, was a soldier during the Spanish-American War; and George, who died in infancy.

D. M. Johnson was reared on a farm in St. Mary's Township, and after lie had attended the schools of his district, lie became a student in the Wesleyan University at Bloomington, Ill., from which he was graduated in 1885 after taking the academic course. He then returned to the homestead.

Soon after his return, Mr. Johnson was mar- ried to Ella A. Cannon, who was born in St. Mary's Township, March 11, 1871, a daughter of Boliver R. and Mary (Brumback) Cannon, Mrs Johnson was reared in her native township, and attended its schools. Mr. and Mrs. John- son became the parents of one daughter, Ruth M., who was born October 28, 1SSS. After completing a high school course, she took up the study of music at Carthage College. Later she was married to Samuel O. Witt. and they live in Golden, Adams County, Ill. They have two sons: Samuel O., Jr., who was born Feb- ruary 24, 1917 ; and Drenon V., who was born June 30, 1919.

The Johnson family belongs to the Carthage Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Johnson is a member of Bentley Lodge No. 412, I. O. O. F., and the Encampment, and Mrs. Johnson belongs to the Rebekahs, having passed all the chairs in that order. A Republican in politics. Mr. Johnson has always been active in local affairs, and for years has been a member of the county central committee of his party. He is one of the directors of the Hancock County Mutual Association, which was incorporated in 1900, with James Westgall as president; W. O. Sharp as secretary, and J. C. Ferris as treasurer. In his farming operations Mr. Johnson has spe- cialized in raising pure bred Poland-China hogs and high grade stock of all kinds, and is a rec- ognized authority upon agricultural matters.

JOHNSON, Frank G., who owns and operates 200 acres of very valuable land on sections 14 and 23 St. Mary's Township, is one of the lead- ing general farmers and stockraisers of this part of the county. He was born in McDonough County, Ill., January 2, 1876, a son of Hiram B. and Elizabeth (Henderson) Johnson, natives of Illinois.

Frank G. Johnson attended the schools of his locality, and learned to be a practical farmer from his father, with whom he remained until his marriage to Mary C. Talbot of Hancock County, at which time he moved to his present farm. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson became the par- ents of two children, namely : Howard B. and Sylvestor H. Mrs. Johnson and her sons are members of the Baptist Church, and Mr. John- son attends its services with his family. In politics he is a Democrat, and has served ac- ceptably as a school director and as constable. In addition to his farm, Mr. Jackson owns stock in the Tri-County State Bank. All his life he has been industrious and thrifty, and since buying his farm has made a number of improvements on it which add to its value. As a citizen he is patriotic, and has always taken a public-spirited interest in matters af- fecting the welfare of his county, state and country.

JOHNSON, James Guthrie, now deceased, was formerly one of the highly esteemed residents of Carthage, and one of the best known men of Hancock County. He was born in Kentucky,

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December 24, 1827, a son of George and Eleanor (Guthrie) Johnson. George Johnson was born in Kentucky and was a farmer and nurseryman. When four years of age his parents left his native state, and moved near Columbus, in Adams County, Illinois, where his father planted the first orchard in Adams County. Here he rounded out his useful life, having bought a farm in 1831, and died there full of years, and highly respected. James and Eunice Guthrie, the maternal grandparents

of James Guthrie Johnson, were natives of Dela- ware, where he was born in 1750, and she November 20 1764, died July 23, 1850. They moved to Kentucky, settling near Louisville, at a fort guarded by soldiers. At the time the Guthries arrived, there was only one white woman in the settlement. They built a large brick house, which became a landmark, being known as the old Guthrie house.

James Guthrie Johnson was one of nine chil- dren born to his parents, namely : Elizabeth, who is deceased; James Guthrie; Paul; George; Henry and Mary twins the former of whom is deceased ; Parmelia ; Moses, who is deceased ; and Urith. While attending the district schools of Columbus, Ill., James G. Johnson was also taught to make himself useful on the farm, and he lived in Adams County, until his marriage, when he moved to Hancock County and spent eight years in Durham Township. He then moved to Elvaston, Ill., where he spent three years, and then located at Carthage, where he was residing at the time of his death, which occurred March S, 1917, after he had made Car- thage his home for forty-seven years. At the time of his demise, he owned three farms, one in Pilot Grove Township, one in Harmony Town- ship and one in Carthage Township, or an aggregate of 270 acres; and two houses at Carthage and museum valued at from $3,000 to $5,000, which he willed to Abingdon College.

On December 24, 1849, Mr. Johnson was married in Adams County, Ill., to Melvina Jane Thomas, a daughter of Robert and Rebecca (Thompson) Thomas, of Adams County, Ill. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson became the parents of two daughters, namely : Ella Rebecca, who became the wife of Nathan P. McKee of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, has two children, William and Erwin; and Alice Geneva, who is the widow of William L. Aaron, has two children, Lawrence and Ella.

Mr. Johnson was always a staunch Repub- lican, and belonged to the first city council of Carthage. He was a charter member of the A. O. U. W. Always a consistent member of the Methodist Church, he was a life member of its official board at the time of his death. At the time the Johnson family came to Adams County, Illinois was still in a very undeveloped state. and many interesting experiences as well as hardships fell to their lot. Some of these occurrences were put in definite shape by Mr. Johnson for his family, and did space permit would form an interesting chapter of this book. Coming as he did so many years ago to Carthage, Mr. Johnson was spared to see it developed into

a prosperous community, bearing more than his part in this development. His large landed interests in the county were not sufficient to absorb all of his time, and he took pleasure in discharging many civic duties, others would have found burdensome were they not inspired by the same high conception of local enterprise. In his death, Carthage lost one of its most represen- tative citizens, and numerous testimonials were afforded his daughters of the confidence and respect in which their father was held by those who had been associated with him in either a business or public capacitiy.

JONES, George W., a general farmer and stock- raiser of Rock Creek Township, and one who is associated with some very important business interests of Hancock County, is a man of im- portance in his community. He was born in Henry County, Iowa, in September, 1872, a son of Thomas and Sarah (Lunn) Jones, natives of Ohio. The mother, who was twice married. went to Iowa with her first husband, and after his death, was there married to Thomas Jones, and they settled near Salem, Iowa, where both later died. Their children were: Charles, who lives at Moriva, Iowa; Dora, who is Mrs. O. G. Davidson, of Gault, Mo .; George W .; and Joshua, who lives at Moriva, Iowa.

George W. Jones attended the common schools, Whittier College, at Salem, Iowa, and' Howe's Academy, at Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, after which he taught school in Iowa for two years. For the subsequent two years, he was engaged in farm- ing in Henry County, and then came to Rock Creek Township, and rented his present farm of 160 acres, owned by his father-in-law. In 1909 he bought 160 acres of raw land near Herford, Tex., and in 1911 traded that land for ninety-four acres on section 3, Rock Creek Township. Of this, he later sold fourteen acres. In the meanwhile his father-in-law died, and he bought out the interests of other heirs, so he now owns 120 acres on section 4 and eighty acres on section 3, and he farms about all the land, having always been a general farmer and stock- raiser. He is also president of Line 15 of the Farmers Telephone Company, and is a member of the Hancock County Soil Bureau, of which he was a director for three years.

On June 5, 1901, Mr. Jones was married to Lena Marie Myers, born in Pontoosic Town- ship, a daughter of Charles H. and Anna (Dust- man) Myers, born in Germany, but early settlers of Hancock County, both of whom are now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Jones became the parents of the following children : Phyllis, Wilma, Maxine and Pauline. Mr. Jones belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church, and has been one of its trustees for several years. In politics he is a Republican and has been a school direc- tor. His fraternal relations are maintained with Burnside Lodge No. 683, A. F. & A. M.

KAISER, William B., cashier of the La Harpe State Bank, is a man whose integrity and acumen are unquestioned, and whose associa-

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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY

tion with an institution of this character lends strength to the bank and gives prestige to him. He was born at Kirkwood, Ill., October 29, 1873, one of the eight children born to his parents, Nicodem A. and Antonia (Seidler) Kaiser. Nico- dem A. Kaiser learned the trade of a baker, and established a reliable bakery at Kirkwood, where he rounded out his life, dying there in 1881. The mother survives and makes her home at Monmouth, Ill.

William B. Kaiser attended the public schools of his native place, and after completing his studies, he entered the State Bank of Strong- hurst, Ill., remaining there as clerk from 1889, until September, 1891, when he became identi- fied with the C. B. & Q. Railroad, continuing with this company in its traffic department through 1893. Leaving this road, he engaged with the People's Bank at Princeville, Ill., for a year, and was then with Swift & Company. In 1897 Mr. Kaiser entered the State Bank at La Harpe as cashier and has held this respon- sible position ever since. Associated with him are J. L. Bradford, president ; William H. Myers, vice president ; A. J. Moore, assistant cashier, and D. R. Burr, J. B. Campbell, S. G. Miller, and W. F. Bradfield, who with the other officials form the board of directors, a very representa- tive collection of business men of high standing.

Mr. Kaiser was married to Miss Clara May Ferguson, a daughter of James B. Ferguson of Princeville, Ill. Mr. and Mrs. Kaiser have two children : Charles L. and William Herman. The family belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church. Fraternally Mr. Kaiser belongs to the Masons, having attained to the Knight Templar degree, and he is also a Shriner Mason, an Odd Fellow and belongs to the Woodmen of the World. In politics he is a Republican.

KEE, Luther J., who is one of the progressive men of Hancock County, is very profitably en- gaged in conducting his fine farm of 160 acres on section 25, St. Mary's Township, and deal- ing in stock. He was born in Hancock County, October 18, 1869, a son of Andrew and Sarah (Sellers) Kee, natives of Ohio. They came to Illinois at an early day, and for many years were engaged in farming. He is nod deceased but she survives, and lives at Carthage, Ill., with a daughter.

Luther J. Kee was married February 11, 1892, in St. Mary's Township, to Grace A. Ken- dall by Rev. Frozee. She was born in St. Mary's Township, December 9, 1870, a daughter of Thomas and Rebecca (Messmore) Kendall, na- tives of Illinois and Ohio, respectively. Mr. Kendall is deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Kee became the parents of the following children: Hazel, who is Mrs. Frank McGinnis, has the following children : Harold, Morris, Eloise and Robert; and Guy, Samuel and Max, who are all at home. Mr. Kee is a Democrat, but aside from casting liis vote for the candidates of his party, has taken no part in politics. He and Mrs. Kee belong to the Christian Church. All his life, Mr. Kee has been engaged in farming, but in

later years he has branched out into the stock business, and feeds extensively and has one of the best equipped stock farms in the county, one that serves as a model for other farmers.

KELLOGG, Grant Perl, a prosperous general farmer and a stockraiser of Montebello Town- ship, is one of the honored residents of Han- cock County. He was born at Garden Grove, Decator County, Iowa, July 1, 1867, a son of Charles and Susan (Crippen) Kellogg, natives of Newark County, the state of Ohio, respectively. They were married in Ohio, later coming as far west as Iowa and bought a farm. He was also a merchant at Garden Grove, and bought and sold wool. In 1868, he moved to Tennessee, but after four years there, went to Wisconsin, and later came to Illinois and for four years con- ducted a dairy at Quincy, Ill. Going then to Lee County, Iowa, he was engaged in farming for a year, and then came to Hancock County where he continued to farm until his death which occurred in 1880. The mother survived until 1886. Their children were as follows: Fred, who died at Quincy, Ill., in 1917; Bird, who lives at Keokuk, Iowa; Lucy, who is Mrs. Joseph Dickerhoff of Los Angeles, Cal .; Eu- genia, who is Mrs. Isaac Baxter of Montebello Township, who was killed in a runaway ; Susan, who is Mrs. Frank Parker of City Point, Fla .; and Grant P.

Grant P. Kellogg attended the Lamon district school, and when he was thirteen years old he left home and began working for Isaac Baxter on a farm, remaining with him for ten years. He then went to Omaha, Neb., and was with Swift, Armour and other packing houses for eleven years, when he returned to Illinois, and rented Hancock County farms until 1914, when he bought 100 acres of improved land on section 8, in Montebello Township, where he has since been engaged in general farming and raising draft and percheron horses and cattle.

On June 22, 1898, Mr. Kellogg was married to Ella Datin, born in Senora Township, a daughter of Sebastian and Mary (Downing) Datin, natives of Hancock County. Mr. and Mrs. Kellogg have the following children : Leo, Beulah, Ralph, Mary and Lester. Mrs. Kellogg is a member of the Christian Church. In poli- tics Mr. Kellogg is a Democrat and has served as a school director since 1906. His fraternal relations are with the Modern Woodmen of America, he belonging to the camp at Hamilton.

KELLY, Martin, who had lived retired on his farm in Appanoose Township for some years was one of the substantal men of Hancock Coun- ty. He was born in County Kilenny, Ireland, in 1840, and died April 19, 1919. He was a son of Lawrence and Anastastia (Welch) Kelly. In 1851 the family came to America, and landed at New Orleans, La., and after a few days in the Crescent City, went up the Mississippi River to St. Louis, Mo., where they spent six weeks. From St. Louis they took passage on the Illinois River to Henry, Ill., where they joined a son

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois and history of Hancock County, Volume II, Part 117

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