Historical encyclopedia of Illinois and history of Hancock County, Volume II, Part 148

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

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On July 4, 1867, Mr. Waggonner was married to Emma R. Forney, a daughter of Jacob and Margaret (Smith) Forney, and sister of the following : Mrs. Elizabeth Shaw, who lives in Wisconsin; Mary A., who is the widow of Franklin Renner of Hamilton, Ill .; Bianca, who is Mrs. William Powers of Kansas; Aaron H. Forney, who is deceased; Chauncey Forney, who lives in Kansas; Ervin, who lives at Okla- homa City, Okla. Mr. and Mrs. Waggonner be- came the parents of three children, namely: I. N., who lives at Spokane, Wash .; Herbert M., who lives in Ontario, Canada; and Willard, who lives at Hamilton, Ill. There is one grand- child in the family, Lelah E. Waggonner, daughter of Herbert Waggonner, born August 28, 1899. The family belong to the Christian Church. Mr. Waggonner belonged to Monte- bello Lodge, I. O. O. F. All his life he voted the Democratic ticket.

WALLACE, George Virgil, ex-mayor of Elvas- ton, and one of the leading merchants of this little city, is one of the representative men of Hancock County. He was born in Wythe Township, August 20, 1855, a son of William and Esther Louise (Wells) Wallace, natives of Canada and New York state, respectively. They were married in the old Wells tavern in Prairie Township and settled on a farm in Montebello Township, but three years later went to Bear Creek Township, and after three years bought a farm in Wythe Township. where both later died. Their children are as follows : George V .; O. D., who lives at Phoenix, Ariz .; and Homer, who lives at Yel- low Jacket. Col.

George Virgil Wallace attended the Fair- view district school of Wythe Township, known to the children as the Froggy school, and was reared on a farm. On September 1, 187S, he was married to Mary A. Garrett, born near Warsaw. Ill., a daugter of Orson and Mary Alice (Philps) Garrett, who died when their daughter was a very small child. After marriage, Mr. Wallace rented a portion of his father's farm for a year, and then went to Taylor County, Iowa, and was there engaged in farming for eighteen months. when he re- turned to Wythe Township, and for the sub- sequent seventeen years was engaged in farm- ing his uncle's farm. He then returned to the homestead of the family and conducted it for five years. Leaving the farm, he came to El- vaston and bought the light and heavy hard- ware business of Lee Caldwell and has since conducted it. In addition to other stock, he handles binders, mowers and other agricul-

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tural machinery and implements, and does a very large business. He also took over the Independent Telephone Company's plant of Elvaston.

Mr. and Mrs. Wallace have had the following children born to them: Mary Ella, who is Mrs. Edward Dawson, of Keokuk, Iowa ; O. O., who is with his father in the hardware busi- ness ; Edith May, who is Mrs. Daniel Brenning, of Everett, Wash .; and Theodore, who is serv- ing in the United States army. Mr. and Mrs. Wallace are numbered among the parents of Hancock County whose service flags bear a silver star, as Theodore, who went to France in July, 1918, with the American Expedition- ary Force, served with distinction, but was so badly wounded in action as to necessitate the loss of a portion of one of his feet. His name belongs on the country's Roll of Honor.

Mr. Wallace is a Democrat, and he served as mayor of Elvaston for six years. He is a member of the Church of Latter Day Saints. ica and the Hancock County Mutual Associa- He belongs to the Modern Woodmen of Amer- tion, and is held in the highest respect by all who know him.

WALTERS, Frank, one of the enterprising gen- eral farmers of Montebello Township, is one of the substantial men of Hancock County. He was born in McDonough County, Ill., in September, 1862, a son of John and Cecelia (Coffman) Walters, natives of Indiana and Virginia, respectively, who were married in Warren County, Ill. John Walters was a sol- dier in the Confederate army, enlisting in a Missouri regiment, and while he was in the army. his wife moved to McDonough County, where he joined her after the close of the Civil War. Soon afterwards they came to Hancock Township, Hancock County, and here Frank Walters was reared. He here attended the district schools, and learned farming from his father.

On July 5. 1886, Frank Walters was mar- ried to Bertha Long, who was born in Han- cock Township, a daughter of Levi and Sarah (Callahan) Long, natives of Pennsylvania. After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Walters resided on forty acres of land that he owned in Hancock County, but in 1903 they left it for a rented farm in Sonora Township. In 1915 he bought forty-four acres of highly im- proved land in Montebello Township, and here he carries on general farming. Mr. and Mrs. Walters have the following children: Clar- ence Earl, who lives in Sonora Township; Mabel Grace, who is the wife of Walter Boyles of Sonora Township; Grover L., who lives in California ; and Bertha S., who is the wife of Harry Porter of this county. In politics Mr. Walters is a Democrat. He belongs to Foun- tain Green Camp, M. W. A. An excellent farmer, he is doing his part toward solving the food problem of the world, and his expe- rience and knowledge of agricultural condi- tions are very valuable assets during the pres- ent time.

WALTON. Charles F., a retired farmer of Augusta Township, was at one time very promi- nent in the agricultural life of Hancock County, and still owns 209 acres of valuable land on sections 3 and 4, this township. He was born at Plymouth, Ill., May 24, 1859, a son of Charles O. and Fannie (Walton) Walton, natives of Kentucky and Illinois, respectively. Charles O. Walton left Kentucky in young manhood, and coming to Illinois, located at Plymouth, where he engaged in school teaching and bookkeeping. He was married at Plymouth, where he lived and reared his family. The Walton family traces back in direct descent to George Walton, one of the signers of the Declaration of Inde- pendence.

Charles F. Walton attended the schools of Plymouth, and when he was only ten years old, he placed twenty-seven acres of land under cul- tivation, and from that time on until his retire- ment, he was interested in farming. When he was only four years old, his father moved to a small farm on which was a one-room log house, with a clapboard roof, one window and two doors. The cracks between the logs were filled with mud, but there was sufficient space to let in the snow during the winter months, and Mr. Walton has often looked out at the moon as he lay in bed, through these cracks.

Charles F. Walton was married (first) to Lucy M. Beddow, born in Hancock County in February, 1861. She died January 10, 1893, leav- ing two sons: Albert Lee Walton, who is mar- ried to Annie M. Smith ; and Clifford B., who is married to Lavina Jaques, has a daughter Mil- dred L. In 1896 Mr. Walton was married (sec- ond) to Augusta Junkerman. There are no chil- dren by the second marriage. Mr. Walton has been a Republican all his life. Owing to the fact that the elder Mr. Walton was crippled, the work of caring for the farm fell upon the shoul- ders of his wife and Charles F., and the latter relates some very interesting incidents of pio- neer life here, and the shifts the settlers had to make in order to get their work done, without proper appliances. Owing to the fact that trans- portation was so poor, there was practically 110 market for the produce, and he oftentimes sold corn for 10 cents per bushel.

WALTON, Frederick M., who owns and operates ninety acres of valuable land on section 27, Harmony Township, is one of the substantial and highly respected men of Harmony Town- ship. He was born in St. Mary's Township, July 20, 1869. a son of William C. and Mary J. (Clark) Walton, natives of Illinois, both of whom are deceased.

Frederick M. Walton attended the schools of his district, and then took a short course at the Quincy Business College, following which he returned to the homestead. On Sep- tember 14. 1892, Mr. Walton was married to Eva Keyser, born in Hancock County, June S, 1872, a daughter of John H. and Eliza (Tol- man) Keyser, the former of whom is deceased, the latter now residing with Mrs. Walton. Mr. and Mrs. Walton have one daughter, Alma, who is the wife of Arden B. Cobb, who has

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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY

returned from overseas service in France,

during the Great War. Mr. Walton belongs to the Odd Fellows and Modern Woodmen of America. Mrs. Walton belongs to the Chris- tian Church. Although he supports the can- didates of the Republican party, he has never cared to enter public life. Since buying his present farm, Mr. Walton has carried on gen- eral farming and stock raising, and being in- dustrious and thrifty, he has made a success of his undertaking. In addition to his Han- cock County land, he owns 160 acres in Mc- Pherson County, S. Dak.

WALTON, Simeon M., a retired farmer of Au- gusta Township, owns 245 acres of valuable farm land on section 3 of this township, where he still resides and 120 acres in St. Mary's Township. He was born in the house where he now lives, August 2, 1852, a son of Fred- erick M. and Emily (Rice) Walton, natives of Boone County, Ky., who came to Hancock County and located on the farm now owned by their son in the spring of 1836. On it Fred- erick M. Walton built a large brick house in 1840 from bricks made on this farm, and this house is still in good repair.

Simeon M. Walton was reared on the home- stead and attended the schools of his district. He has always lived on his farm, and has the distinction of being one of the oldest living natives of Hancock County. On December 21, 1871, Mr. Walton was married at St. Mary's to Martha O. Garnett, born in Illinois, a daughter of Joel and Ann (Graves) Walton, farming people. Mr. and Mrs. Walton have the following children : Pearl E., who is mar- ried to G. M. Turley, and their children are, Mead W. and Paul G., William W., who is at home; and Edward M., who is in the Naval service of his country. There were three other children who died in infancy. Mr. Walton belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America, and the Hancock Mutual Insurance Company. The Missionary Baptist Church holds his membership. He is a dyed-in-the-wool Repub- lican, and has held a number of the minor of- fices in the township. During his long and honorable life, he has ever proved himself a worthy citizen and upright, Christian man, and no one stands any higher in the esteem and confidence of his neighborhood.

WALTON, William, now deceased, was one of the best known men of Harmony Township; and was held in the highest esteem by all who knew him. He was born in Harmony Township, Feb- ruary 19, 1843, and died March 25, 1911, on the Walton homestead on section 12, Harmony Township. He was a son of Simeon and Eliza- beth (Stark) Walton, natives of Kentucky and Scotland.

William Walton was reared in his native township, and after attending its schools, took a course in the Normal school of his locality. During the Civil War, he was one of the brave defenders of the Union, assisting to organize a company, of which he was lieutenant, and after

its consolidation with a Jacksonville company, he was made an orderly, and so continued until the close of the war, when he received his hon- orable discharge, and returned home.

On September 1, 1862, while in the army, he was married to Georgenia Daw, born in Eng- land, June 2, 1840, a daughter of John and Susana (O'Cock) Daw, natives of England, both of whom died in their own land. When she was sixteen years old, Mrs. Walton came to the . nited States with her two brothers and a sis- ter. Mr. and Mrs. Walton became the parents of the following children: John Orville, who married Belle Ford; Ivy Elizabeth, who died in her third year ; Ava S., who died February 23, 1918; Zeka B. who is at home; Helen M., who is married to Edgar W. Faulkner, has a son Kenneth ; William Simeon, who married Tillie Baker; and Edith, who is married to Harry Faulkner, has a son, Harold.

When Mr. Walton returned fom his military service, he located on the farm of 185 acres, section 12, Harmony Township, where his widow still resides. At the time of his death, Mr. Walton owned this 185 acres of land, which he was then operating and all the improvements were made on this place by Mr. Walton. He took great interest in agricultural matters, being an active member of the Grange, and successful in his own work. He was a member of the Christian Church as is also his widow. A Re- publican, he held some of the township offices.

WARNER, Charles Albert, M. D., one of the older physicians and surgeons of Warsaw, is regarded as one of the leading men of his pro- fession in Hancock County. He was born in Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, September 15, 1830, and his parents died in Germany. In 1849 Charles Albert Warner came to the Unit- ed States, landing at New York City, from whence he made his way to Milwaukee, Wis., and to St. Louis, Mo., where he was graduated from the St. Louis Medical College. Follow- ing the securing of his diploma, Dr. Warner began practicing medicine and so continued until he enlisted May 8, 1861, for service in the Civil War, as captain of Company B, Third Missouri Infantry, U. S. R. C. and he attained to the rank of major. On December 24, 1862, he resigned, and that same day was assigned to service at the Good Samaritan Hospital, at St. Louis, Mo., where he spent a year. He was then transferred to the Overton Hospital at Memphis. Tenn., remaining until in July, 1865, when he resigned, having been elected city physician of Memphis. Tenn .. and held that office until in July, 1866. In that year he came to Warsaw, where he has since been en- gaged in practice.

In 1855 Dr. Warner was married to Bar- bara Garisch and their children were: Fran- cis F., who lives at St. Louis, Mo .; Fred T., who lives at Alton, Ill. Mrs. Warner died De- cember 24, 1890. On February 14, 1901, Dr. Warner was married to Elizabeth Happel, born in Germany, widow of Louis Weigand. By her first marriage, she had three children, 'imely : John, who lives in this county ; The-

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resa ; and Harry. Dr. Warner is a Lutheran. In politics he is a Republican, and has served as alderman from the First Ward, and also on the school board for over twenty years. When the G. A. R. Post was organized at Warsaw, Dr. Warner was one of the active workers, and has maintained his interest in it ever since. He is beloved by all who know him, and recognized as one of the representa- tive men of the county.

WARNER, Clifford W., attorney and counselor at law, at La Harpe, was born at Ellisville, Ill., October 13, 1873, one of six children born to his parents, George W. and Jane E. (Schafer) Warner.

Clifford W. Warner attended the village schools of his native place, and then entered the Northern Indiana Law School at Valparaiso, Ind., later matriculating at the Chicago Law School, from which he was graduated in May, 1899. In June of that same year he was ad- mitted to the bar, and immediately thereafter entered upon a general practice at La Harpe. While accumulating the funds to take him through college, Mr. Warner taught school for several terms.

Mr. Warner was married to Miss Alice Ter- hune, a daughter of Thomas Terhune, an old and honored resident of Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. Warner have three children, namely: Helen, Leah Jane and Wilma. The family belong to the Union Church of La Harpe. Mr. Warner is a thirty-second degree Mason and a shriner, and is also a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. He is a Republican in politics. Professionally he belongs to the Hancock County Bar Association and the Illinois State Bar Association.

WEAR, Alfred Sylvestor, who was formerly ex- tensively engaged in farming in Hancock County, is now operating ten acres of land in the ex- treme southern part of Carthage. He was born in Guernsey County, Ohio, September 15, 1848, a son of Alfred and Clemenza (Duer) Wear, also of Guernsey County, Ohio. In 1854 Alfred Wear came to Illinois, and after three years spent in Pike County, moved to Adams County, where he entered land, and there both he and his wife died.

Alfred Sylvestor Wear was reared in Adams County, Ill., and attended its schools. On De- cember 5, 1872, he was there married to Mar- garet Goodman. born in Sangamon County, Ill., a daughter of William and Maria (Henderson) Goodman, and they had the following children : Clara, who is Mrs. Andrew Smith, of McDon- ough County, Ill .; Elbridge, who lives in Han- cock Township, married Mary Belknap, and their children are. Opal, Willis, Juanita, Roland and Oland; Edward, who lives in Adams County, Ill., married Susan Martin, and their children are, Alfred, Vernon and Mitchell; Elva, who is Mrs. Charles Printy, has two living chil- dren, Glenn and Helen Christine, Merlin having died, aged fifteen years; Charles, who lives in Hancock Township, married Lottie Smith, and their children are Lora and Lucille; and Grover, who lives in McDonough County, Ill., married

Nellie Cordell, and they have one child, Reva Mrs. Wear died October 19, 1918, having been a devoted wife and mother.

In February, 1872, Mr. Wear moved to West Point, Hancock County, and was there engaged in farming for a year, leaving it for different localities where he was employed along several lines. He then returned to Adams County and continued farming there for four years. Once more he came back to Hancock County, and was engaged in farming and making railroad ties in the vicinity of Plymouth for two years. He then went to Nevada, Mo., where he spent six months. Upon his return to Plymouth he once more engaged in farming, and in 1895 bought eighty acres of land in Hancock Township, which was covered with brush. He cleared it and developed his farm, erected excellent build- ings and lived upon it until May 4, 1918, when he sold the property and came to his present place. Mr. Wear is a Democrat, but is not an officeholder. He is a man highly respected in Carthage and Hancock County, and deserves the success which lias been his.

WEAVER, Roy H., one of the successful busi- ness men of Carthage, is engaged in conducting a wholesale butter, egg and poultry business, being the only one engaged in this line at the county seat. He was born near Plymouth, Ill., on January 10, 1881, a son of Jesse W. and Gillie (Aleshire) Weaver, natives of Ohio and Virginia. Jesse W. Weaver settled at Plym- outh, Ill., where he conducted a produce and poultry business but sold it in 1902 and com- ing to Carthage, embarked in a similar under- taking here with his son.

Roy H. Weaver attended the common and high schools of Carthage, and was brought up in the produce business which he learned thor- oughly. In 1902 he started in his business, taking over his father's produce concern, and has developed it into large proportions. He keeps six wagons on the road gathering up poultry and produce, and during the season ships twelve cars of eggs and the same amount of poultry each month, to Philadelphia, New York and other Atlantic seaport markets.

On May 29, 1899, Mr. Weaver was married to Carrie Daily, born in Missouri, a daughter of Dennis and Sarah (Tull) Daily. Although Mr. and Mrs. Weaver have no children of their own, they have reared two children, namely : Edward B. Hackett, who served in the United States Army ; and Carl Viehmeyer. Mr. and Mrs. Weaver belong to the Christian Church. He is a Mason and Odd Fellow and belongs to the Modern Woodmen, all of Carthage. A sound business man Mr. Weaver through industry and alertness has developed into a leader in his line in this part of the state, and is held in high re- spect in his home community because of his many excellent traits of character.

WEBB, George W., one of the leading farmers and stockraisers of Appanoose Township, was born on section 34 of this township, July 4. 1850. a son of William and Harriet (Baldwin) Webb, natives of England. William Webb came to Hancock County in 1841, and from

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then on was active in its development. A full history of this fine old pioneer, is given else- where in this work.

George W. Webb attended the schools of his native district, and in 1874 took charge of the homestead where he remained for about six years. On January 12, 1875, he was mar- ried to Ellen E. Lewis, born at Lionville, Pa., April 11, 1853, a daughter of Morgan R. and , Mary Ann (Downing) Lewis, born in Chester County, Pa., who came to Nauvoo, Ill., in the fall of 1853. They bought land in Sonora Township, where Mrs. Lewis died February 5, 1875. He made his home with his son, Isaac Thomas Lewis, until his death February 5, 1894. Mr. and Mrs. Lewis had eight chil- dren, namely: Francis Marion, who died at the age of four years; Evan, who died at the age of two years; Florence, who died in in- fancy ; Mrs. Webb; Ann T., who is Mrs. Far- num Whitcomb, of Nauvoo, Ill .; Isaac T., who lives in Sonora Township; Luanna, who is Mrs. William Thornber, of Powellton, Ill .; and Edith, who is Mrs. Fred Wenzel, of Minneapo- lis, Minn.

After his marriage Mr. Webb lived with his father until about 1881, at which time he bought forty acres on section 34, Appanoose Township, and kept on adding to his farm until he now has 160 acres of agricultural land, and ten acres of timber on section 15 of this same township. He has always carried on general farming and raises Shorthorn cattle, Duroc-Jersey hogs and a good grade of horses. After moving on his farm, he erected new buildings and otherwise improved the place which is now one of the most valuable in the township.

Mr. and Mrs. Webb became the parents of the following children: Morgan Lewis, who was born September 15, 1876, was a Lutheran minister for fifteen years, and was graduated from Carthage College, and Wittenburg Semi- nary at Springfield, Ohio. On account of ill health, he left the ministry, and is now en- gaged in farming; Blanche Edith, who was horn December 18, 1SSO, was graduated from Carthage College, and married F. E. Schofield of Missoula, Mont., a traveling salesman for a leather and shoe company ; William. who was born November 24, 1SS5. now lives at Bridge- port, Conn., was graduated from Carthage College and Yale University, and is now a corporation attorney for the Bridgeport Land and Title Company ; Jasper Kent, who was born December 25, 1893, was graduated from Carthage College, after which he took the agricultural course at the University of Illi- nois at Urbana, Ill., and now conducts the homestead, his father having retired from ac- tive participation in the work. Mrs. Webb was educated under the instruction of her mother, who was a graduate of the Quaker Seminary at Newton. Pa. Although the others of the family are Lutherans, Mr. Webb is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. which he has served as a steward since 1913. Ile is a Democrat, and has served as a school director and trustee. Mrs. Webb is a Prohi-

bitionist, and belongs to the W. C. T. U. and the Ladies Aid Society.

WEBB, James, one of the prosperous farmers of Appanoose Township, and vice president of the Nauvoo State Bank, is a man widely and favorably known. He was born in Appanoose Township, February 5, 1845, a son of William and Harriet (Baldwin) Webb, he born in Wor- cestershire, England, in 1811; and she in Hert- fordshire, England, in 1818. She was his second wife, he having been previously married to Sarah Hughes, who died after the birth of two children, uamely : John, who lives at Blue Springs, Neb .; and Mary, who is deceased. By his second marriage, William Webb had the fol- lowing children : James; William, who lives at Nauvoo; George W., who is a farmer of Appa- noose Township; and Sarah Ann, who Is 110W deceased, was the wife of Emmitt Horton. A sketch of William Webb is found elsewhere in this work.

James Webb was reared in his native town- ship, and attended its district schools. Ou De. cember 21, 1869, he was married to Mary E. Tyner, born at Pilot Grove, October 25, 1850, a daughter of William and Susan (Eagan) Tyner, he born near Indianapolis, Ind., and she born near Harrisburg, Ind. Mr. Tyner was school treasurer for many years in Pilot Grove Town- ship, and also served it as a justice of the peace. and his district as a member of the State As- sembly. Mr. and Mrs. Webb have one daugli- ter : Harriet, who was married to Phineas Kim. ball, of Nauvoo, who is conducting Mr. Webb's farm.

After his marriage Mr. Webb took up his resi. dence on a 186-acre farm on section 27, tearing down an old brick Mormon house on the prop- erty and replacing it with a fine, large frame one, into which he moved on January 3, 1869. He also erected modern barns and other build- ings, thoroughly modernizing the place. Here lie was engaged in farming and stockraising until 1895, but since then owing to ill health, the active part of the business is carried on by Mr. Kimball. Mr. Webb is the oldest living na- tive born citizen of Appaloose Township, and is recognized as an example of the finest type of men Hancock County has produced. In politics a Democrat, he has served as township collector, and has always supported the candidates of his party loyally and effectively. The Presbyterian Church holds his membership.

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois and history of Hancock County, Volume II, Part 148

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