Historical encyclopedia of Illinois and history of Hancock County, Volume II, Part 147

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 147

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

TROUTVETTER, Edward H., one of the pros- perous general farmers and stockraisers of Hancock County, owns and operates a fine farm of 160 acres in Montebello Township. He was born in Montebello Township, January 7. 1870, a son of Adam and Eva (Young) Troutvetter, natives of Germany. They came when young people to Hancock County, set- tling in Montebello Township, of which they were pioneers, and there they were engaged in farming until they died. Their children were as follows: Louis, who lives at Hannibal, Mo .; George, who lives at Portland. Ore .; Louise, who is Mrs. George Buckert, of Mon- tebello Township; Lena, who is Mrs. John T. Salzer, of Keokuk, Iowa; Edward H .; Minnie, who is Mrs. John Kopsicker, of Lima, Ill .; and Fred.

Edward H. Troutvetter attended the Oak- wood district school until he was eighteen years old. when he went to Sacramento Valley, Cal., and was there engaged in farming for ten years. Returning to Illinois, he bought forty acres of land on section 16. Montebello Township, which was partly improved, and had a house on it. He has erected all the other buildings now standing, and otherwise improved the farm. To his original purchase,

he has added until he now owns 160 acres of very valuable land. He raises Durham cattle, Duroc-Jersey hogs and Rhode Island Red chickens, and carries on general farming.

In October, 1900, Mr. Troutvetter was mar- ried to Lydia Disselhorst, born in Adams County, Ill., a daughter of Ernest and Fred- ericka (Myers) Disselhorst, natives of Ger- many and Adams County, Ill., respectively. Mr. and Mrs. Troutvetter have the following children : Freda, Arthur, Leona and Hazel. Mr. Troutvetter is a Democrat, and he has served as road commissioner. A man of solid worth, he has advanced and is now one of the leading agriculturalists of his community.

TUCK, Nathan H., a retired farmer of Plym- outh. and one of the highly respected men of Hancock County, still owns 240 acres of land on section 28, St. Mary's Township, which he formerly operated. He was born in the state of Maine, December 20, 1854, a son of Henry H. Tuck, who, with his wife and family, came to Hancock County when Nathan H. Tuck was still a child. Both parents are now deceased.

Nathan H. Tuck was reared on his father's farm and all of his active life devoted himself to farming. On March 12, 1884, Nathan H. Tuck was married in Hancock County to Alice Moore, who was born in McDonough County, Ill., January 7, 1864. Mr. and Mrs. Tuck be- came the parents of the following children : Fern, who is the wife of Clyde Brown; Law- rence H., who is operating the homestead ; Eunice, who is deceased; Horace H .; Louise M., who is the wife of L. W. Myers; Margaret I., who is a trained nurse; Cora U., who is at home; and Hazel M., who is attending school. Mr. Tuck belongs to the Congregational Church, and Mrs. Tuck belongs to the Chris- tian Church. Fraternally, he belongs to the . Modern Woodmen of America. In politics Mr. Tuck is a Republican. Since locating at Plymouth, he has identified himself with local affairs as a liberal minded citizen, and inspires confidence wherever he goes.

TURNER Brothers: P. C., C. R .. and O. B. Turner, are sons of Dr. James H. Turner and Frances J. (Huey) Turner.

Dr. Turner was one of the early physicians of St. Mary's Township. He was born in Ohio in 1824, attended medical lectures in Cleveland in 1844 and 1845 and came soon afterward to Hancock County by way of Cairo and St. Louis. He located in the village of St. Marys and practised his profession there for some thirty years, gradually interesting himself in farming and stockraising to which he practi- cally gave his attention in the later years of his life. He died in 1895. Mrs. Turner surviv- ing him until 1914. Their other children are Millard Turner. of Lawton, Oklahoma; Mrs. J. F. Foley. of Plymouth, Ill .; and Mrs. W. L. Hatcher. of Joplin, Mo.

TURNER, William Henry, owner of one of the most popular restaurants at Hamilton, has been a resident of Hancock County for many

1385

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY

years, although he was born in Maryland, Jan- uary 5, 1855. He is a son of Richard Thomas and Adeline (Dicus) Turner. In 1866 the mother moved with her family to Missouri, and was married (second) to Washington I. Nellis, in that same year. There were three children by her first marriage, namely : William Henry ; Jams Edward, who lives in Chicago, Ill. ; and Mary E., who is Mrs. F. M. Shipe, lives in Rocky Run Township. By her second marriage. the mother had one daughter, Addie Irene Nellis, now deceased. The mother died in 1871.

In 1869 William Henry Turner left home and worked on farms in Knox County, Mo., for a couple of years, and was engaged along several lines until 1876, when he came to Hancock County. He later located at Hamilton, and for a number of years was in the nursery business, and after he sold it. he established his present restaurant, which he has conducted for fifteen years, and has firmly established himself in the favor of his patrons.

On November 9. 1879. Mr. Turner was mar- ried to May E. McCormick, a daughter of Isom and Elizabeth (Wilson) McCormick. Mrs. Turner has two brothers and two sisters, namely : LaFayette, who is a farmer of Rocky Run Township; James Isaac; Jane, who mar- ried John Bowen, is deceased, as is her hus- band; and Rebecca, who is Mrs. James Golli- her, of Kahoka, Mo. Mr. and Mrs. Turner have the following children : James Lloyd, who lives at Hamilton. Ill .; William Claude, who is serv- ing in the United States army ; J. L., who mar- ried Mildred Barnum, has one son, Marsel ; and W. C., who married Celia Bennington. of Dallas City. Ill. The only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Turner is deceased. Mr. Turner attended the common schools while living in Missouri. He and his family belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church. South. He is a Democrat. His fraternal affiliations are with Hamilton Lodge No. 238, A. F. & A. M., and Hamilton Lodge No. 697, I. O. O. F.

TWADDLE, James L., one of the substantial farmers of St. Mary's Township. owns and operates 160 acres of land on section 27. He was born in McDonough County, Ill., Novem- ber 7. 1861, a son of Marion and Elizabeth (Mullen) Twaddle, natives of Ohio and Illi- nois, who are now deceased, having spent their lives as farming people. James L. Twaddle be- longs to the same family as the celebrated Blind Twaddles, of Ohio, who, seven in num- ber, were entirely blind, and had two younger members of the family who had defective eye- sight. These children were born of parents who had excellent eyesight, and scientific men were unable to account for this affliction. The state of Ohio recognized the necessity of ren- dering assistance to the parents. and the legis- lature deeded to them for the support of their children. 160 acres of land in eastern Ohio. ever afterwards known as the Blind Twaddles section, and here the children were reared. They became very expert, and never knowing the sense of sight, did not miss it as they

would if they had been born with normal eye- sight, and then lost it. They carried on every kind of agricultural operation, cutting timber, building fences, plowing the land, sowing and harvesting their crops, running a grist mill and distillery, working with oxen and horses, and in fact making themselves just as useful as any of their neighbors. Their land was intersected by many creeks, bridged by a single log, and the Blind Twaddles would unhesitat- ingly cross on it, with never a misstep. They could take to pieces and put together any farm machinery, and successfully operated a flour mill for years. They could tell the color of horses by passing their hands over the coat, and upon hearing one trot, could place an in- fallible value upon it.

James L. Twaddle attended school in Mc- Donough County for a time, but losing his mother when still young. he left home, and worked to support himself in various western states, principally at farming. Finally he re- turned to his native county, and began farm- ing on his own account, and on February 1, 1892. he was married to Flora B. Payne, born in North Carolina. For the first year after his marriage, Mr. Twaddle bought a farm in Taylor County, Iowa, but after conducting it a year, returned to McDonough County, and spent a year. He then went to Idaho and Washington and spent three years. Once more he came back to McDonough County, but after two years, came to Hancock Connty and bought his present farm. where he has since been engaged in general farming.

Mr. and Mrs. Twaddle became the parents of the following children : Rellie. who is serving in the United States navy ; James G .. who is deceased ; Zelma G .. who is Mrs. Ray McDaniel, her husband being a teacher in Tennessee, and they have one child, James ; Leola M., who is at home; Lavina F .. who is at home; Edwin R., who is at home; Edna Bell. who is deceased ; and Marcie H. Mr. Twaddle belongs to the Odd Fellows and the Hancock County Mutual Life Association.

In politics he is a Democrat.

TWESTEN, Fred, one of the prosperous farm- ers of Montebello Township, owns and operates a fine property known as "Hawk's Nest," which overlooks the Mississippi River. He was born in Hamburg, Germany, January 4, 1872, where his father died, and in 1874, his widowed moth- er, with her five children, came to the United States, and died in this country, June 10, 1913. Her children were as follows: Mary, who was born in March, 1858, is Mrs. Chris Larson of Warsaw, Ill .; Tillie, who was born April 1, 1866, is Mrs. Frank Swank of Keokuk, Iowa; Pauline, who was born in July, 1863, is Mrs. Martin Zettridge of Chicago, Ill .; August, who was born June 10, 1864; and Fred.

Fred Twesten attended the public schools, and left home when he was only twelve years old to begin working on neighboring farms by the month, and continued to do so until he was twenty-two years old. He then came to Hamil- ton and engaged with a coal and ice business,

1386

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY

and later, in partnership with Richard Parsons, bought the business and conducted it for four- teen years. In addition to other property Mr. Twesten owns thirty-six acres of land in Wil- cox Township, which was the family home- stead. The residence, which is of stone, was commenced in 1865, was partially destroyed by fire, but was rebuilt by Mr. Hawkes in 1907, and is a prominent landmark.

On December 4, 1911, Mr. Twesten was mar- ried to Hyrell Hawkes, a daughter of Edward Everett and Jane Mansfield (Pratt) Hawkes, the former of whom was born July 10, 1826, survives and makes his home with his daugh- ter, but the latter died June 26, 1907. Mr. Twesten is a Republican and has been super- visor since 1916. He is one of the best known men in the township, and is held in the highest respect by all who are associated with him.

TYNER, DeWitt Clinton, now deceased, was formerly one of the substantial and successful farmers of Pilot Grove Township, later becom- ing a carpenter and then a furniture dealer and undertaker at Burnside. He was born at South Bend, Ind., September 11, 1835, a son of William and Susan (Egan) Tyner, natives of Indiana, and the father died April 17, 1910, at Burnside, Ill.

When Daniel C. Tyner was young, his parents drove overland from Indiana to Han- cock County, and settled in Pilot Grove Town- ship, where he was reared, and attended school. On April 16. 1861. Mr. Tiner was mar- ried to Susan Decker, born in Ohio, a daughter of Elisha and Elizabeth (Keygarden) Decker, natives of Ohio, who came to Pilot Grove Township at an early day. After his marriage Mr. Tyner rented a farm one mile east of Burnside, and conducted it for six years, then went to Burnside and worked at the carpenter trade for a time. Later he embarked in a fur- niture and undertaking business, and was so engaged when he died. He was one of the best known men in this section, and held the confidence and respect of all who knew him.

Mr. and Mrs. Tyner had the following chil- dren : Margaret Elizabeth, who lives at Burn- side; William, who lives at Everett, Wash .; Linnie, who lives with Mrs. Tyner; James ; Clinton, who lives in New Mexico; George, who also lives at Everett, Wash .; Ira, who died at the age of twenty-three years; and Lewis, who died at the age of eighteen years. Mr. Tyner was a Democrat. The Christian Church held his membership. Since the death of Mr. Tyner. Mrs. Tyner and her daughter Miss Lin- nie, have lived in their pleasant home at Burn- side, and have gathered about them a circle of appreciating friends.

VANCE, Mrs. Elise B., widow of Sherman D. Vance, is one of the successful farmers of Har- mony Township, where she owns and operates 320 acres of valuable land, being assisted by her children. She was born in Germany, March 25, 1869, a daughter of Andrew and Katherine (Hueschen) Peters, natives of Germany, who came to the United States when Mrs. Vance

was fourteen years old, and located in Hancock County. After the death of Mr. Peters, Mrs. Peters was married (second) to Jacob Hartman. Later, Mr. and Mrs. Hartman went to Iowa where they lived for several years. They later came back to Hancock County where Mrs. Hart- man died. Mr. Hartman now lives in Quincy, Ill.

Elise B. Peters was married to Sherman D. Vance, now deceased, and they had five children, as follows : William A., who is married to Lydla Akers, and they have two sons, Sherman and Thomas; Joseph A., who is married to Rutlı Duffy, and they have a son, Glenn L .; Chillis A., who is at home with his mother; Lydia K., who is at home; and Junius C., who is also at home. Mrs. Vance belongs to the Lutheran Church, and her children are members of the Chris- tian Church. In politics Mrs. Vance is a Repub- lican, and she takes an active and intelligent interest in local affairs. Since the death of Mr. Vance she has continued to conduct the farm, and is proving in her case that women can be as successful as men in cultivating the soil.

VANCE, William A., one of the successful young farmers of Harmony Township, owns seventy-five acres of land which he operates, and also eighty-five acres belonging to his mother in the same township. He was born on the Vance homestead in Harmony Township, June 23, 1893, a son of Sherman D. and Elise B. (Peters) Vance, the former of whom is de- ceased.

William A. Vance attended the local schools and the Carthage high school, being graduated from the latter in 1912, and then returned to the homestead, where he remained until his marriage which occurred at Carthage, February 17, 1914, when he was united with Lydia Akers, born in Floyd County, Va., but brought to Han- cock County by her parents, while she was still a child. Mr. and Mrs. Vance have two sons, Thomas W., born November 24, 1918; and Sher- man A., who was born December 14, 1915. Mr. Vance belongs to the Christian Church. In politics he is a Republican, and he has served as a school director. Having devoted himself to farming, he understands it, and is making a success of his work, which is yearly becoming more important because of the necessity of in- creasing the national food production.

VESTAL, Samuel Lafayette, a retired farmer of Hamilton, was at one time actively engaged in agricultural operations, in which he achieved an enviable success. He was born in Washington County, Va., August 6, 185S, a son of Simon Sanford and Rebecca Ruth (Harris) Vestal. Simon Sanford Vestal was born in Virginia, October 14, 1830, and his wife was born November 21, 1834, and died March 24, 1874. The grandparents on both sides were all born in Virginia, and all lived into old age, the paternal great-grandfather attaining to the unusual age of 110 years. Samuel L. Ves- tal was one of twelve children, and the oldest living, as follows: W. J., deceased ; Kate, who is Mrs. Harrison R. Marion, of Dodge

1387

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY

City, Kans .; J. M., who is a farmer of Mar- lowe, Okla .; Bertha, who is Mrs. J. C. Banks, of Warsaw, Ill .; George Hosford, who lives in Texas County, Mo .; Charles Henry, who lives in Hancock County; Maggie, who is Mrs. Charles Banks; Sallie, who was Mrs. John Waltersheide, is deceased; Samuel L., and several who died in childhood.

Samuel L. Vestal remained at home until he was twenty years old, and then commenced working by the month for farmers. for 50 cents per day. On February 12, 1880, he was mar- ried to Mary A. Davidson, a daughter of Aza- riah and Caroline Davidson, the latter of whom was born in Delaware, which state also gave birth to her parents, and she died No- vember 1, 1909. Mr. and Mrs. Vestal became the parents of the following children: Clar- ence LeRoy, who was born November 18, 1880, is married to Pearl Avis Gordon; Franklin Earl, who was born May 18, 1884, is married to Mabel First; Harry Alden, who was born April 18, 1887, is married to Alpha McCul- lough, and they have two children, Jeanette and Willis; Mary Caroline, who was born August 25, 1891, is the wife of W. L. Peters, of Hamilton; and Samuel Wayne, who was born July 5, 1894, is married to Alma Reko, they have two children. Robert and Samuel, and live at Winnebago, Minn. Samuel L. Ves- tal was married ( second ) to Mrs. Mary (Ruhs) Jingst, widow of Albert Jingst, and a daughter of John F. and Catherine (Martin) Ruhs, on September 4, 1912. By her first mar- riage. Mrs. Vestal had two children: Charles Jingst, who is a farmer of Warsaw. Ill .; and Rosa. who is the wife of Charles Linenburger, of Warsaw. Charles Jingst has two sons, Clarence Albert and Harold; while Rosa has a daughter, Alberta Linenburger.

Since 1875 Mr. Vestal has been a resident of Hancock County, but from 1864 to 1870, he lived at Brazil, in Clay County, and in Put- nam County. Ind., and from 1870 to 1875. he was at Middle Grove, Monroe County, Mo., from whence he moved with three teams and wagons to Hancock County. locating in Wytlie Township. In 1909 he came to Hamilton, where he has since lived retired. From boy- hood until 1912, Mr. Vestal belonged to the Congregational Church, but in that year united with the Presbyterian Church of Hamilton, and is now one of its elders. A strong sup- porter of temperance. he votes for the candi- dates of the Prohibition party, and takes a deep interest in recent legislation with refer- ence to the liquor question.

WADE, Edward H., M. D., one of the leading physicians and surgeons of Plymouth, Ill., who represents one of the pioneer families of Han- cock County, is a man well and favorably known in this section of the state. He was born near Plymouth, Ill., August 22, 1876. His father, Dr. William D. Wade, was born March 22. 1841, and died February 6, 1904, having been one of the honored and successful practitioners of Hancock County for over forty years.

Dr. Edward H. Wade received his collegiate

training at the Cincinnati Electric Medical Col- lege, from which he was graduated in 1903. Immediately he entered upon a temporary prac- tice at Augusta. Ill., soon afterwards going to one of the western states where he spent a year. He then settled, in 1909, at Plymouth, Ill., where he has since remained, and has built up a very valuable connection among the best people of his locality. He belongs to the Hancock Medical Society and the Illinois State Medical Society, and is interested in the scientific work of both organizations. His fraternal connections are with the Masons and Odd Fellows.

Dr. Wade was married to Miss Lillian A. Da- vis, a daughter of Franklin P. Davis, and they have four children. His political views make him a Democrat. and he served for three years as health officer of Plymouth, rendering the community valuable aid in that important office. He and family belong to the Christian Church. An earnest. carefully trained and faithful phy- sician and upright man, Dr. Wade is one of the most desirable citizens of Hancock County.

WAGGONER, Alexander, now living retired at West Point, Ill., is one of the substantial men of Hancock County and formerly was inter- ested along several lines of business. He was born in Fayette County, Pa., October 3, 1840, a son of Lewis M. and Mary (McLain) Wag- goner, born in the same county as their son, who, in 1844 came to Chili Township, Hancock County. Ill., and after renting land for several years bought eighty acres in that township and lived upon it until they died. Their chil- dren were as follows: Samuel, who lives in Chili Township ; Alexander, whose name heads this review : Ephraim and Josiah, twins. both of whom are deceased; Margaret, who is also deceased; and Sarah, who married Wilford Manlove, is a widow residing at Chicago, Ill.

Alexander Waggoner attended a subscrip- tion school at Stillwell. Ill., in boyhood and for a short period a district school. so his edu- cational opportunities were somewhat limited. In 1863 he joined a company of emigrants and went overland to southern Nevada. At Aus- tin. Nev .. he took up two silver claims. and still holds them. The following year he re- turned to Hancock County. His experiences both ways were very thrilling and did space permit the relation of them, they would make very interesting reading.

On February 13, 1868, Mr. Waggoner was married to Sarah Ann Overman. born in Adams County, Ill., October 31, 1845, a daugh- ter of Charles and Martha (Garner) Overman, and they became the parents of the following children : twins, a son and daughter, who died unnamed ; Inez, who lives at Chicago; and Alma, who is deceased. After his marriage Mr. Waggoner moved to the homestead in Chili Township that he owned and he lived on it for fourteen years. then went to Bowen. Ill .. and there conducted a farm. In 1908 he sold this property and bought a house and four lots at West Point where he lives retired. From 1894 to 1001 he conducted a general store at Oquaka, Ill., and he was also in the

1388

HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY

farm implement business at that point for two years, but sold his interests. He belongs to the Masons and Modern Woodmen of Amer- ica at West Point. Mr. Waggoner is a mem- ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church and has been a teacher in the Sunday school for forty years. In politics he is a Democrat. When he first came to Hancock County he saw great droves of deer twenty-eight to thirty in number, and there were prairie chickens and wild pigeons in abundance, but he has lived to see all these things changed and for the better, and is proud of the development of the county which has been his home for so many years. Mr. and Mrs. Waggoner cele- brated in February, 1917, their 50th wedding anniversary.

WAGGONNER, George C., now deceased, was for many ycars one of the leading men of Mon- tebello Township, and, as an inventor, left be- hind him mechanical contrivances yet in active use. He was born in Montebello Township, May 20, 1839, and died March 8, 1904. He was the oldest son of I. N. and Mary (White) Wag- gonner, the former of whom was a native of Ohio, who later moved to St. Louis, Mo., and be- came a pilot on the Mississippi River. The parental grandfather, John Waggoner, was also born in Ohio, and he is buried in Riverside Cemetery, near Hamilton, Ill. I. N. Waggonner secured 200 acres of land, in what is now River- side overlooking the Mississippi River, from the government, and on it built a very substan- tial two-story sandstone house, from stone taken from Galena, Ill., and the timber used he took from his own land. This building was so substantial that a portion of it had to be dynamited when it was deemed necessary to put in a dam on its site, and the remainder is submerged. This 200-acre tract is one of the most beautiful along the Mississippi River. Mr. Waggonner divided it among his children at his death, and the grandson of I. N. Waggonner now owns part of it. The White family came to Nauvoo prior to the Morman occupation, when Indians were still plentiful, and partici- pated in the Black Hawk War. Mary (White) Waggonner was born at Nauvoo, and was of a sturdy, pioneer type, an excellent horsewoman and able to take care of herself in any emer- gency. She bore her husband the following chil- dren : Austin, who lived at Montebello, died at Hamilton, Ill .; Milton, who lives at Hamilton, Ill., is retired; Martha, who was Mrs. Henry Parsons, is deceased; Eleanor, who is Mrs. A. C. Mills, is also deceased; Clara, who is Mrs. Edward Curry, lives in Oklahoma; and Luella, who died in infancy; and George C.

George C. Waggonner attended the common schools of Hamilton, Ill., and went to work on his father's pilot boat, becoming in time a pilot, operating from St. Louis, Mo., to St. Paul, Minn., and continued as such until his enlist- ment in 1862, for service during the Civil War in Company O, One Hundred and Eighteenth Illinois Infantry, but was transferred to the navy, and was in the river service as a pilot on the lower Mississippi River, engaged in running

the blockade at Vicksburg, a most dangerous as- signment. He was mustered out of the service in 1865. After his return home, he and his father built a mill on the river near their home in Montebello Township, and later erected a wing dam at the mouth of Waggonner's Creek to get power for the mill. Of an inventive turn of mind, Mr. Waggonner invented and patented a revolving grate for furnaces, which with some modifications is in general use to the present day.

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

Historical encyclopedia of Illinois and history of Hancock County, Volume II, Part 147

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