Historical encyclopedia of Illinois and history of Hancock County, Volume II, Part 139

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 139

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William Henry Sargent attended the public schools of Rushville, and remained at home until he lett it for a home of his own. He was married February 16, 1SS1, to Jennie Dewitt, born at Littleton, Schuyler County, Ill., who died in 1892. She was a daughter of Edwin and Ellen (Snyder) Dewitt, born in one of the eastern states. After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Sargent lived in Schuyler County on a farm for some years, and then went to Ten- nessee Township, McDonaugh County, where he bought a farm and conducted it for ten years. He then moved back to Schuyler County and for five years rented land. In 1907 he sold his farm in Tennessee Township and came to Rock Creek Township and bought the old Akin homestead, of his second wife's parents. This farm contains 160 acres of very valuable land, highly improved. Mr. Akin came to it in 1863, and died on it about 1890. Following his death, Mrs. Akin built a fine residence and substantial barn, and Mr. Sar- gent since he bought the place enlarged the house and built other barns. He put in 60,000 tile on the farm, and made many other im- provements which add to its value. He sold the farm in 1918 and now resides at Adrian. Mrs. Akin died in 1914. She was a remarkable woman in many ways. She was reared by an aunt, who had come from Olio, and by her was taken to Minnesota, and flater to Schuyler County, Ill., in 1837, when but a few months old. She was married to Mr. Akin in Sangamon County, Ill. Her grandfather Northcott, was ordained in Kentucky as a minister of the Methodist Church by Richard Whatcoat, born in England, who came to the

United States with John Wesley and Francis Asbury.

To Mr. Sargent's first marriage the follow- ing children were born: Effie, who is Mrs. Edwin Smith, of Adrian, Ill .; Everett, who lives at St. Charles, Ill .; and Grace, who is Mrs. Charles Tucker, of Montana. In March, 1896, Mr. Sargent was married (second) to Fannie Akin, born on her father's farm in Rock Creek Township, a daughter of James and Hulda (Pettyjohn) Akin, he born in Co- lumbiana County. Ohio, and she in Brown County, Ohio. Their marriage took place in 1865. Mr. and Mrs. Sargent have three chil- dren, namely : Frank, Fred and Hugh, all of whom are at home. Mrs. Sargent attended Heading College. the old Normal school at Macomb. Ill., and the Illinois State Normal at Normal, Ill., after being graduated from the Tennessee High school. Mr. Sargent and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a trustee of the church, and has been superintendent of the Sunday School for eight years. In politics he is a Democrat, and while in Tennessee Township was super- visor, and was a justice of the peace in Oak- land Township, Schuyler County, while he is now a road commissioner of Rock Creek Township. Fraternally he is a Mason and belongs to Burnside Lodge of that order.

SAUGIER, Joseph, whose farm in Montebello Township is one of the best kept and carefully cultivated in the county, has a reputation of being one of the most industrious men of this locality. He was born in Alsace, France, January 26, 1835, a son of Joseph and Frances (Duppain) Saugier. In 1855 Joseph Saugier came to the United States by sailing vessel from France, and landed at New Orleans, La., from whence he came up the Mississippi River to St. Louis, Mo., where he spent six months. He then entered the employ of a United States government surveying party which was making the surveys for the Union Pacific Railroad from Omaha to Denver. Four months later he re- turned to New Orleans, and kept a boarding house for about two years. Once more he went up the river to St. Louis, and thence to Daven- port, Iowa, where he worked as a carpenter for a time. Going then to Chicago, he was there married, and following that event, went to Winneshiek County, Iowa, where he alternated farming with carpenter work, for twelve of those years being in the employ of Camille Da- dent, president of the Bee Growers Associa- tion of the United States, and he built Mr. Dadent's first residence at Hamilton, Ill. Com- ing to Montebello Township, Mr. Saugier bought twenty-five acres of land, later adding to it forty acres, and is now carrying on fruit grow- ing and general farming. He has erected all of his present buildings, which are neat and modern.

On February 28, 1859, Mr. Saugier was mar- ried to Josephine Broier, at Chicago. She was born in Alsace, France. They became the par-

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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY

ents of the following children: Josephine, who is Mrs. Joseph David, of Montebello Township; Joseph, who is of Montebello Township; Mary, who is Mrs. Walter Parson, of Montebello Township; Leon, who lives in Montebello Town- ship ; and George, who died at the age of twenty- three years. Mr. Saugier was reared in the faith of the Catholic Church, although not a communicant. His educational training was re- ceived in his native land, but he learned the English language after coming here. In politics he is a Republican. His fraternal connections are with Festina Octorias Lodge No. 237, A. F. & A. M. A man of high principles, he lias always lived up to them, and is held in the highest regard by all who have the honor of his acquaintance.

SCANNELL, John Francis, who for many years was a successful general farmer in Sonora Township, was well known in Hancock County and was respected and esteemed for his many good qualities. He was born in New Bruns- in Sonora Township, Hancock County, Ill., De- cember 23, 1905. He was a son of Daniel and wick, June 24, 1862, and died on his .farm Catherine Scannell, who were natives of Ire- land. They went to New Brunswick and lived there until 1869, when they came to Hancock County, Ill., where Mr. Scannell found work in a stone quarry and at other places where his industry made him a valued helper.

John Francis Scannell was seven years old when he came to Hancock County and this country always seemed home to him, especially after he married and had a family of his own, and had acquired a farm through his thrift and industry. Farming was his business all his life and he was numbered with the success- ful men in his township in this line. Follow- ing his marriage he rented land in Montebello Township until 1896, when he bought a tract of thirty-seven acres in Sonora Township which he carefully cultivated during life, also renting other land and making his business profitable. He had been educated in the district schools and was an intelligent, practical and sensible man and always was ready to assist in move- ments for the betterment of the community. In politics he was a Democrat. The only public offices he would ever consent to hold were those of road commissioner and school director.

Mr. Scannell was married in October, 1893, to Miss Emma Belle McGregor, who was born in Sonora Township. Hancock County, August 29, 1869. Her parents were James and Sarah (Coon) McGregor, the former of whom was born in Virginia and the latter in Greene County. Ill. To Mr. and Mrs. Scannell five children were born, namely: Adah, who is the wife of Forrest Gabel. of Carthage, Ill .; and Viola, Elva, James and John, who reside with their mother. The family belongs to the Christian Church at Goldens Point Nauvoo.

SCHENCK, John G., now deceased, was one of the early settlers of Hancock County, and a

man widely known, especially in Sonora Town- ship, where he became a prosperous agricul- turalist. He was born in Switzerland in 1842, and when he was six years of age. his parents crossed the ocean to New York City, where they made a permanent location. John G. Schenck lived with his parents until he en- listed for service during the Civil War, in October, 1862, in Company D, One Hundred and Twenty-ninth New York Volunteer Infan- try, and was honorably discharged January 30, 1863. Soon afterwards, he came to Han- cock County, and worked for others until his marriage, when he bought land on the northern boundary line of Sonora Township, and there he lived until his death. December 28, 1904.

On December 4, 1865, Mr. Schenck was mac- ried to Anna Salm. She was born at Fartheim, Switzerland, in 1844, and when she was nine years old, her parents brought her to High- land. Ill., where the family lived for six months, then moving to Nauvoo. Still later they went to Appanoose Township where she was reared. Mrs Schenck died November 24, 1916. She and her husband had the following children : Elizabeth, who died at the age of eighteen years; John, who is a farmer of Rock Creek Township; Henry, who is a farmer of Sonora Township ; Minnie.

who is Mrs. Roy Bruegger, of Nauvoo ; Ella, who is Mrs. William Gehle, of Appanoose Town- ship; Millard Fillmore, who is a farmer of Sonora Township; and William, who is also a farmer of Sonora Township. The Schenck family is one of the old and honored ones of Hancock County, and its present representa- tives are all respected and esteemed.

SCHENCK, John William, formerly an exten- sive breeder of Percheron horses, is one of the progressive farmers of Rock Creek Township, and has the distinction of owning and operating the finest and most modern farm in Hancock County. As a man he stands well in his com- munity. He was born in Sonora Township, September 6, 1868, a son of John Godfrey and Anna (Salm) Schenck, natives of Germany.

John William Schenck lived with his parents until he left them for a home of his own, and attended the Maple Grove and Elliott district schools. On February 9, 1892, he was married to Dillie Rebecca Wilson, born in Appanoose Township, a daughter of Alexander and Isabella (Griffin) Wilson, natives of Ireland and Ohio, respectively. Mr. and Mrs. Schenck have two children, namely: Elsworth James, and Sadie May, both at home.

After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Schenck rented 120 acres of land from his father in Rock Creek Township, and at the same time Mr. Schenck bought forty acres of land in Rock Creek Township, to which he has later added eighty acres. He has erected new buildings, tiled the land thoroughly, and has it under a high state of cultivation. Later he bought eighty-four and eighty-eight acres in Prairie Township. This farm, too, is highly improved

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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY

and all tiled, and is conducted by Mr. Schenck's son, Ellsworth James. For nineteen years he was a large breeder of Pecheron horses and jacks, continuing until December 15, 1915, when he had a public sale, at which time he sold his stock and closed his breeding business, but still owns some thoroughbred mares. Mrs. Schenck and the children are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Schenck is an independ- ent Democrat. Ferris Lodge, I. O. O. F. holds his membership. There are few men who stand higher in agricultural circles than Mr. Schenck, does pay to put in improvements and develop and he has proven in his own operations that it the land to its utmost capacity.

SCHENCK, Millard Fillmore, one of the repre- sentative men of Hancock County, was born in Sonora Township, where he still resides, September 2, 1879, a son of John G. and Anna (Salm) Schenck, natives of Switzerland, where they were born in 1842 and 1844, re- spectively. They came to Hancock County when young, and were here married, after- wards settling in Sonora Township, where the remainder of their lives were spent. A full history of the Schenck family is given else- where in this work.

Millard Fillmore Schenck attended the Elli- ott district school, and resided with his parents until his marriage March 31, 1904, when he was united with Lena Young, born in Sonora Township, October 12, 1877. She is a daugh- ter of Lorenzo and Catherine (Yung) Young, the former a native of Baden, Germany. Catherine (Yung) Young, was born at Lambs- born, Bavaria, Germany. After their mar- riage, Mr. and Mrs. Young settled in Prairie Township, later going to Sonora Township. In the summer of 1862, Mr. Young enlisted in Company C, One Hundred and Sixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, for service during the Civil War, and received his honorable dis- charge at the close of hostilities. Mr. Young died September 18, 190S, but Mrs. Young sur- vives, and makes her home in Sonora Town- ship.

After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Schenck located on an eighty-acre farm on section 11, Sonora Township, and since then Mr. Schenck has remodeled the house, making it thoroughly modern. He has also erected new buildings, and otherwise improved the property. Later he bought forty acres adjoining his farm on the east, and he carries on general farming, and raises Shropshire sheep. Mr. and Mrs. Schenck have one son, Leslie Millard, who was born May 23, 1915. The Presbyterian Church holds Mr. Schenck's membership. He is a Democrat, and his fraternal 'affiliations are with the Loyal Order of Moose, No. 704, of Keokuk, Iowa. A modern farmer, Mr. Schenck is able to make his business pay him, and he is never too busy to take an intelligent interest in civic matters, although he has never cared for public honors.

SCHILSON, George, one of the progressive farmers of Hancock County, owns eighty acres of very well improved land in Monte- bello Township. He was born at Nauvoo, Ill., June 12, 1867, a son of John and Angeline (Lanfer) Schilson, natives of Germany, They were married in their native land, and in 1869 came to the United States, spending some months in Pennsylvania before coming to Nauvoo. In Germany, the father was a miner, but after locating in Hancock County, he worked at stone quarrying, and was one of the men who quarried the stone for the Des Moines canal by the rapids. Later on in life he became a grape grower at Nauvoo. His death occurred in June, 1917, when he was seventy-seven years old. The mother survives and makes her home at Nauvoo. Their chil- dren were as follows: Angeline, who is Mrs. John Rose, of Nauvoo Township; George; Henry, who is deceased; Rose, who is Mrs. Amos Davis. of Appanoose Township; John, who lives in Montebello Township; Joseph, who lives at Nauvoo; Lena, who died when twelve years old; and Ernest, who lives at Sonora Township.

In February, 1891, Mr. Schilson was mar- ried to Agnes Helen Donald, born in Monte- bello Township, a daughter of John and Jen- ette (Lemon) Donald, natives of Scotland and Indiana, respectively. After marriage. Mr. Schilson lived on the farm of his father-in-law for a year and then rented a farm in Sonora Township for a year. He then went to Ma- kaska County, Ia., where he conducted a rented farm for six years. Returning to Han- cock County, he bought the homestead of his father-in-law, consisting of eighty acres of land. on section 16. Since then he has re- modelled the house and built new barns, and put in many improvements. Here he carries on general farming and stockraising. Mr. and Mrs. Schilson have had the following children born to them: Erwin, who is at home; George Dewey, who lives at Keokuk, Iowa; Veneria Bell, who is Mrs. Ray Emert. of McCall. Ill. ; Melbourne Carroll, who is at home; and Law- rence Delbert and Clarence Dorcey. twins. Politically Mr. Schilson is a Democrat, and he has been highway commissioner for seven years, and a school director since 1910. His fraternal relations are with the W. of W. at Nauvoo, and the M. W. A. of Hamilton. A man of enterprise. he has kept on making im- provements, and his farm is now one of the model ones of the county.

SCHILSON, John, a prosperous general farmer and stockraiser of Montebello Township. comes of one of the oldest families of Hancock County. He was born in Sonora Township. October 15, 1873. a son of John and Angeline (Loufer) Schilson, natives of Germany who came to Nauvoo about 1858 or 1859. While in Ger- many. the father was a miner, but after com- ing to Hancock County he became a quarry- man, and for twenty-seven years worked in

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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY

the Patterson quarry, which is located in Sonora Township, along the Mississippi River. After leaving the quarry, he engaged in farm- ing. His death occurred June 5, 1917, but the mother survives and makes her home at Nau- voo. Their children were as follows: Anna, who is Mrs. John Rose, of Nauvoo; George, who lives in Montebello Township; Rose, who is Mrs. Amos Davis. of Appanoose Township; John; Joseph, who lives at Nauvoo; and Er- nest, who lives in Sonora Township.

On September '7, 1896," Mr. Schilson was married to Anna Herold, born in Montebello Township, a daughter of Louis and Elizabeth (Herbert) Herold, natives of Germany and Hancock County, respectively. Mr. and Mrs. Schilson have had the following children born to them : Villette, who is Mrs. Henry Sum- mers, of Sonora Township; and Herold, Her- bert, Elton, Dolores, Lorrell and Joy, all of whom are living at home. Mrs. Henry Sum- mers has a son, Floyd and a daughter Ruth who are the fifth generation living on the ma- ternal grandmother's side, and in the fourth generation on the maternal grandfather's side. Mrs. Herold, the grandmother of Mrs. Schil- son, is still living and makes her home at Hamilton.

After his marriage, Mr. Schilson rented dif- ferent farms for sixteen years, and then he bought 124 acres of land on section 9, Monte- bello Township, which was well improved. Here he has since carried on general farming and raises Duroc-Jersey hogs. In politics he is a Republican. and has served as a school director since 1906. Fraternally he belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America at Hamil- ton, and the Odd Fellows of the same place. A man of excellent principles and high charac- ter, he stands very well in his community.

SCHMIDT, John M., one of the substantial busi- ness men of Nauvoo, is well known through Hancock County. He was born in Rocky Creek Township, March 1. 1878, a son of John C. and Anna (Tanner) Schmidt, he born in Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, and she in Hancock County, Ill. The grandparents, Michael Tanner and wife. were born in Switzerland, and became early settlers of Hancock County. About 1870 John C. Schmidt came to Hancock County, joining relatives here, and he settled on a farm in Rocky Creek Township, after his marriage. In 1895 he left the farm, moved to Nauvoo, and bought a vineyard, still being engaged in growing grapes. His wife died in April, 1913. Their children were as follows: Emma, who is Mrs. John Burmeister of Nauvoo; John M .; and George, who died in 1911, aged thirty-five years.

John M. Schmidt attended the district schools, and assisted his father until 1901, when he started in a transfer business, running between Keokuk, Iowa, and Nauvoo. After a year he sold this business, and for six months was fireman for the C. B. & Q. Railroad. He was then employed by the Atlas Cement Works for

six months, and then worked for the Star Shoe Company for a year. Returning to Nauvoo he became interested in a retail business which he still continues.

On December 12, 1906, Mr. Schmidt was mar- ried to Louisa Weber, a daughter of John and Barbara Weber. They have no children. A Republican, Mr. Schmidt served as alderman of his ward for one term. In religious faith he is a Lutheran. A man of keen business judg- ment, he has forged ahead, and has made a success of his undertakings.

SCHOWALTER, Clarence C., manager of the Burnside Lumber Company, is one of the sub- stantial and leading business men of Burnside. He was born at Halstead, Harvey County, Kas., September 28, 1887, a son of Edward H. and Eliza (Koehn) Schowalter, he born in Donnell- son, Lee County, Iowa. They were married and settled at Halstead, Kas., where Edward H. Schowalter was in general merchandise busi- ness for a few years, later moving to Donnell- son. Iowa, where he bought a farm, which he still conducts.

Until he was seventeen years old, Clarence C. Schowalter attended the public schools of Iowa, and he then engaged in farming with his father. Between the years of twenty-one and twenty-two, he took a commercial course at Elliott Business College, and then went to New Berlin, Ill., and worked as assistant manager for the Alexander Lumber Co., remaining there for four months, leaving to go with the Hamilton Lumber and Mill Company as assistant manager. Four months later he came to Burnside as manager of the Burnside Lumber Company, and he still capably holds that position.

On July 3, 1913, he was married to Willa Loomis, born at Douds Leando, Iowa, a daughter of L. C. and Elizabeth (Duncan) Loomis. Mr. and Mrs. Schowalter have no children. He is independent in politics, and has served Pilot Grove Township as clerk. The Burnside Meth- odist Church holds his membership, he is a trustee of the church and superintendent of the Sunday school. His fraternal relations are with the Burnside Lodge No. 683, A. F. & A. M., of which he has been senior deacon since 1911; and he also belongs to the Quincy Consistory, and the Shrine at Peoria, Ill. He is a member also of Webster Lodge No. 1000, I. O. O. F. A live, enterprising young business man. Mr. Schowalter has made his own way in the world, and thoroughly deserves the confidence and re- spect he has always commanded.

SCHRAMM, John M., now deceased, was for many years a capable farmer of Pontoosic Township, where his daughter Miss Amelia Flora Schramm still resides. He was born in Bavaria, Germany, February 19, 1847, a son of Christopher Schramm, who, in 1837, came to the United States on a sailing vessel, and coming as far west as Ohio, spent nine years in Pickaway County. He then moved

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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY

to Iowa, and after spending a short time in Keokuk, located at Burlington, where he built a flouring mill, and conducted it for a year, when he returned to Keokuk. In 1846 Chris- topher Schramm came to Hancock County, and bought land in Pontoosic Township, where he built a large flouring mill and operated it for many years. He also built a large storehouse on the bluffs overlooking Pontoosic, and this was on a portion of his farm of seventy acres. He died in 1899, and was born in 1809, His widow died January 16, 1903. Her maiden name was Anna Eliza Clifton, and she was born in Ohio, February 11, 1816. She was the widow of Peter Swinehart, and had two chil- dren by her first marriage, both of whom are now deceased. Prior to his marriage with her, Christopher Schramm had been married in Ohio, in 1841, to Annie Miller, who died in 1843, having borne him two children, both of whom are now deceased.

Prior to coming to

Illinois, John M. Schramm worked as a bookbinder, but after his arrival here, was interested in the milling business until he took up farming. His chil- dren were as follows: Matilda E., who was born May 9, 1847, is Mrs. Isaac Gates, of Mc- Call, Ill .; Charles T., who was born Novem- ber 7, 1849, died November 22, 1915; William H., who was born March 19, 1851, died July 3. 1904; Amelia Flora, who was born October 16. 1853, in Pontoosic Township, has spent her life here. She looked after her parents and brothers as long as they lived, and in- herited the homestead. which she now rents to tenants. She attended the schools of her native township. Miss Schramm is a mem- ber of the Christian Church. Her father was steadfast in his adherence to the principles of the Democratic party.

SCHUPP, Arthur D., who owns and operates 200 acres of valuable land in Augusta Township, is one of the leading farmers of Hancock Coun- ty. He was born in Missouri, March 12. 188+, a son of Edward Swaringel, but was adopted by Anton and Mary Schupp. of Pettis County, Mo. Arthur D. Schupp was reared in Mis- souri, there attending the common schools and learning to be a farmer. In 1915 he came to Hancock County, buying his present farm on section 1, and here he is carrying on general farming.

In 1912 Arthur D. Schupp was married to Miss Anna Masters, a daughter of William Mas- ters. There are no children of this marriage. Mr. Schupp is a Republican, but he confines his political service to casting his vote and giving his support to the candidates of his party, as his time and attention have been too much oc- cupied for him to consent to go on the party ticket for any office. An experienced farmer. he knows how to operate his land so as to re- flect credit on his ability and to gain for him- self a fair return on his investment of time and money.

SCHUPP, Lawrence, now deceased, was for many years one of the prosperous men of Nauvoo, whose efforts were directed toward market gardening. He was born in Germany, September 25, 1840, and grew up on his father's farm. On March 5, 1870, he was married to Saloma Sturm, who was born May 13, 1850, and they came by steamer to New York City, and thence to St. Louis, arriving in that city on July 4. Two days later they went to Scott County, Mo., and there spent two weeks, then located at Velie, Iowa. In 1881 they came to Nauvoo and bought five acres of land north of town, and here they engaged in fruit growing, specializing on grapes. In 1893 they sold that place and bought eighteen acres in the Second Ward, Nauvoo, where they raised fruit and vegetables, placing all of the land under fine cul- tivation. Mr. Schupp died February 24, 1908. Since his death, his widow and children have continued to operate the land. Prior to coming to this country, Mr. Schupp served for three years in the German army, taking part in the Franco-Prussian War, and was a soldier under Maxmillian in Mexico. In religious faith he was a Lutheran.

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois and history of Hancock County, Volume II, Part 139

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