Historical encyclopedia of Illinois and history of Hancock County, Volume II, Part 92

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 92

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BOOTH, William Thaddeus, now deceased but for many years a familiar figure at Carthage, was recognized as one of the substantial men of Hancock County. He was born in Woodford County, Ky., September 13, 1831, a son of John and Frankie (Dale) Booth, natives of Kentucky. John Booth was first a blacksmith and later on in life was engaged in the grocery business. In 1836 John Booth brought his family to Illinois, spending a year in Morgan County before com- ing to Hancock County.

William Thaddeus Booth attended the com- mon schools and worked on a farm until 1864 when he located at Carthage. Having learned the blacksmithing trade from Richard Mack, he found in this calling his life work. In addi- tion to his residence at Carthage, he owned his place of business, and was a man of ample means at the time of his demise.

In 1861 Mr. Booth became a Mason, receiving his E. A. degree from Hancock Lodge, and he rose in his order, holding many offices, and dis- charging the serious obligations of Masonry conscientiously and faithfully. Among other obligations, he always attended the funerals of the brothers, and his kindly words and sympa- thy were many times a great source of comfort to the bereaved. The First Methodist Church held his membership. His death occurred Feb- ruary 2, 1910, and the funeral services were held in it, the Masons having charge. Inter- ment was made in Mossridge Cemetery.'

On October 16, 1856, Mr. Booth was married to Mary Ellen Shultz, and they had seven chil- dren, namely: Carrie E. Garner, who died March 12, 1890; John W .; Arthur J .; Edward L .; Mrs. Mae B. Garner; Mrs. Flora B. Dorsey ; and Charles E., who are living. There are nine grandchildren in the family and five great- grandchildren.

The example of a life like Mr. Booth's is far- reaching, for no one can round out a long and useful career as he did, without leaving behind a record that points out the way for similar effort. It is doubtful if he had an enemy. When death summoned him suddenly, he passed away in a few minutes, painlessly and quietly, as he had wanted to die, having no fears for the future or regrets for the past, for he had lived at peace with man and God, and was prepared, as few are, for the great change.

ORVILLE A. PITTAM AND FAMILY

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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY

As a private citizen and lover of his country, he had done liis duty as he saw it, and spared neither time nor money to assist others in attaining happiness and comfort.

BOTT, George Theodore, one of the substantial men of Hancock County, is conducting a large cooperage business at Alexandria, Mo., and has other interests. He was born at Warsaw, Ill., January 18, 1867, a son of Conrad and Frederica (Brehm) Bott, the former of whom was born at Kurhessen, Prussia-Germany, March 27, 1827, and the latter at Albersheim-on-the-Rhine, Ger- many. In 1848 the father came from Germany, landed at Baltimore, Md., and a year later he came to Warsaw, Ill. He engaged in a cooper- age business at Warsaw, which he conducted until his death.

George Theodore Bott attended the excellent schools of Warsaw, and later took a course at a business college. When a young man he went to Chicago and remained for six years, but with that exception, has made Warsaw his home all his life. Upon his return from Chicago, he engaged in the cooperage business, and has built up a fine trade, being very successful in his undertaking. Possessing those qualities essen- tial to success, Mr. Bott has fairly won the right to be classed among the captains of indus- try in his section. He is part owner of barrel factories in Alexandria, Mo., and Keokuk, Iowa, several stave factories in Arkansas, 900 acres of land in Christian and Taney counties, Mo., and 7,500 acres of land in Poinsett County, Ark. In addition he owns 280 acres of Rocky Run Township, Hancock County, Ill., and his beau- tiful residence at Warsaw, Ill.

On June 19, 1895, Mr. Bott was married to Eugenie Henriette Fahrenholz a daughter of John and Margaretha (Baierle) Fahrenholz, the former of whom was born at Sageliorn, Achim County, Hanover, Germany, December 24, 1832, and the latter at Rohrbach, Sinsheim County, Grand Duchy of Baden, Germany, December 24, 1835. Mr. and Mrs. Bott have no children. He belongs to the German Methodist Church, and is a Republican in politics.

BOTTS, Charles W., one of the successful farmers of St. Mary's Township, owns and operates 130 acres of valuable land on section 11. He was born in the house where he now lives, June 17, 1870, a son of William and Mary (Walker) Botts, natives of Kentucky, both of whom are deceased.

Charles W. Botts attended the schools of his native township, and the Carthage Academy, completing with a business course at Quincy, Ill. He worked on the homestead until his father's death, when he became its owner, and has since been engaged in farming with the exception of two years during which time he conducted a harness business at Carthage.

On November 5, 1896, Charles W. Botts was married in St. Mary's Township to Jessie Satter- field, born in this township, June 23, 1875, a daughter of Henson and Mary E. (Johnson)

Satterfield, natives of Virginia and Ohio. Mrs. Botts taught school in this county three years before marriage. Mrs. Satterfield is deceased, but Mr. Satterfield survives, and makes his home at Plymouth, Ill. Mr. and Mrs. Botts have the following children : Mary R., who is Mrs. Lewis Gill, lives at Macomb, Ill., and has one son, Charles L .; and Herbert L .; Mitchel and Theodore W., who are at home. Mr. Botts and his family belong to the Baptist Church. In politics he is a Republican, and he has held some of the township offices. He is one of the representative men of his locality, and stands well in public estimation.

BOTTS, Joseph I., a substantial and successful farmer of Hancock County, is one of the honored residents of Carthage. He was born in St. Mary's Township, December 7, 1860, a son of William O. and Mary Frances ( Walker) Botts, natives of Boone and Tood counties, Ky., re- spectively. When William O. Botts was nine- teen years old, which was in 1836, he came on horseback from Kentucky to Hancock County, but a year later returned to Kentucky for his parents, coming back with them and a com- pany of neighbors making the trip with oxen. They settled in St. Mary's Township, buying prairie land there for $4 per acre. This land William O. Botts improved, kept on adding to his farm and buying others, and was a large landowner at the time of his death, May 19, 18SS. His widow died April 19, 1900. She was his second wife, he having been previously mar- ried to Mary Darnell, by whom he had three children, namely : Sidney, who lives at Corpus Christi, Tex .; and Mary and Margaret, both of whom are deceased. By his second marriage, Mr. Botts had the following children: Robert W., who lives at Colchester, Ill .; Joseph J .; Myrtle A., who lives at Redlands, Cal. ; William G., who lives at Oklahoma City, Okla .; and Charles W., who lives on the home place in St. Mary's Township. His father, Joseph Botts, was a pioneer Baptist minister and was in charge of St. Mary's Baptist Church for over forty years.

Joseph I. Botts attended the schools of his native township, and remained at home until his marriage, when he began farming on land his father gave him, which was located in St. Mary's Township. Eighteen months later he traded it for another of his father's farms, and lived upon it for sixteen years, then sold it, and bought eighty-four acres of land just north of Carthage, in Carthage Township, and this he devotes to pasturage. Mr. Botts also owns eighty-four and one-half acres of land in Wythe Township.

On February 18, 1885, Mr. Botts was married to Carrie O. Garnett, born in St. Mary's Town- ship, July 16, 1864. Mr. and Mrs. Botts had one child, who died in infancy. Mrs. Botts is a daughter of William Reuben and Agnes (Huey) Garnett, natives of Hancock County, he being born June 30, 1839, and died March 24, 1899; while she, born September 1, 1838, died May 29,

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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY

1913. Mrs. Botts' grandparents, Joel G. and Ann E. (Graves) Garnett, were natives of Vir- ginia and Kentucky, and John and Matilda (Rice) Huey were natives of Kentucky, and all were early settlers of Hancock County. Mr. and Mrs. William Reuben Garnett had the fol- lowing children: Mrs. Botts; George F., who lives at Okolona, Miss .; John E., who lives at Wichita, Kans .; Anna May, who makes her home with Mr. and Mrs. Botts and William J., who lives at Luray, Mo. Mr. and Mrs. Botts belong to the Baptist Church, and he has served his church as deacon and trustee. In politics he is a Republican.

BOTTS, Joseph W., one of the prosperous agri- culturalists of Hancock County, is specializing on stockraising, devoting his fine farm of 404 acres on section 9. St. Mary's Township, to that purpose. He was born in Hancock County, May 3, 1863, a son of Absolom G. and Sarah (White) Botts, natives of Boone County, Ky., and Ohio, respectively. The parents are now deceased, but for some years they were substantial farm- ers of Hancock County.

Joseph W. Botts attended the local schools, and remained with his parents until his mar- riage, when he began farming for himself, and gradually acquired his present fine farm. He raises Hampshire hogs and feeds a large number of cattle and hogs for the market, his annual amount of business being very large.

On November 5, 1893, Mr. Botts was married to Mrs. Orrilla (Johnson) Gould, a widow witli two children namely : John, who lives at Detroit, Mich .; and Nellie, who is married to John Miller, and has the following children, Orrilla Henrietta, and Margaret Louise. Mr. and Mrs Botts have one son, Paul, who married Miss Jessamine Knapheide. Mr. Botts is a Repub- lican, and has always held to the principles of that party, but has never held any offices. Mr. Botts is one of the best known men in this part of the county, and he stands very well in popular estimation.

BOUSEMAN, Albert William, M. D., one of the popular physicians of Hancock County, is en- gaged in the practice of his profession at Foun- tain Green. He was born in Marion County, Ill., January 1, 1881, a son of Thomas and Lenora (Cox) Bouseman, natives of Marion and Clay counties, Ill. The paternal grand- parents, Andrew Jackson and Harriet (Elder) Bouseman, were born in Ohio, although the family originated in Germany. The maternal grandfather was Francis Cox. They were all early settlers of Marion County, Ill. After the parents were married, they located on a farm in Marion County. Their children were as fol- lows: Emma. who is Mrs. Henry Cain of Ima, N. M .; Frank, who lives at Vancouver, B. C .; Arthur, who lives in Marion County, Ill. ; Elmer, who lives at Fountain Green, Ill .; and Albert William.

Albert William Bouseman attended the com- mon and the high school of Farina, Ill., and

then was engaged in farming for four years. In September, 1906, he matriculated at Barnes Medical College, at St. Louis, Mo., from which he was graduated May 16, 1910, following which he spent two months at Ivesdale, Ill. On Sep- tember 20, 1910, he located at Fountain Green, where he has since remained and has built up a large and growing practice, and won the con- fidence of all in his neighborhood, for he is universally liked.

On January 1, 1902, Doctor Bouseman was married to Nellie E. Dewhirst, born near Louis- ville, Clay County, Ill., a daughter of William and Jennie (Gibson) Dewhirst, the former of whom was born in Virginia, and the parents of the latter in England. Doctor and Mrs. Bouse- man became the parents of the following chil- dren : Eugene, who died in infancy; Iris, who was born September 25, 1906; Glen, who was born February 5, 1909; Alberta, who was born December 7, 1910. Doctor Bouseman and his family belong to the Presbyterian Church. Web- ster Lodge N. 1000, I. O. O. F. holds his mem- bership. He is a member of the Hancock County Medical Society and the Illinois State Medical Society, and belongs to the M. W. A., the Royal Neighbors, and the Tri-State and Hancock Mu- tual Insurance Associations. Professionally he keeps thoroughly abreast of modern thought and discoveries.

BOWMAN, Marion W., one of the prosperous farmers of St. Mary's Township, has been a lifelong resident of Hancock County, and has always been interested in farming. He was born in Augusta Township, December 9, 1869, a son of Andrew J. and Elizabeth (Cooper) Bowman, both natives of Illinois. Andrew J. Cooper now deceased was a farmer all his life. His widow survives and makes her home at Augusta.

Marion W. Bowman attended the district schools and was brought up on a farm. He is now engaged in operating the family homestead, and also owns twenty-five acres of land on sec- tion 34, St. Mary's Township. Mr. Bowman is also engaged in operating a threshing outfit, and is kept very busy in the harvesting season.

On November 25, 1897, he was married to Ida K. Junkerman, who was born February 2, 1868, a daughter of William and Minnie (Wall) Junkerman, natives of Germany, who are both deceased. Mr. Junkerman was a cobbler and worked at his trade for many years at Quincy, Ill. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Bowman are as follows: Elizabeth C., whose husband, Walter Hambly is now serving his country as a soldier in the National Army, and Minnie R., and Bertha Alma, both of whom are at home. The families belong to the Congregational Church. Mr. Bowman is a Democrat, but has never held public office. He is a member of the Odd Fellows and Modern Woodmen of America, and is as popular in these organizations as he is in his community, where his true worth is recognized.

BOYD, C. T., owner of 120 acres in St. Mary's Township, is one of the prosperous agricultur-

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alists of Hancock County. He was born in Vir- ginia, June 1, 1862, a son of Newberry and Martha J. (Lefew) Boyd, natives of Virginia, who were farming people. C. T. Boyd attended the schools of his neighborhood, and grew up in Virginia, which he left for Illinois, when he attained his majority. For a time he traveled about, working on different farms, looking for a suitable location, and finally, in 1908, he bought 120 acres on section 23, St. Mary's Town- ship, in Hancock County, where he has since resided, and during the ensuing years has car- ried on general farming and stockraising and considerably developed his property.

C. T. Boyd was married in Floyd County, Va., to Martha E. Lester, a native of Virginia, a daughter of Louis and Mary (Boyd) Lester. Mr. and Mrs. Boyd became the parents of the following children : James C., who is married to Elva Polite, and they have two children ; Roy, who is also married ; Ethel, who is at home. Mr. Boyd is a Republican, but has never cared to enter the political arena as an office-seeker. Fraternally he belongs to the Odd Fellows and is as popular in that lodge as he is elsewhere in his community, where his worth is recognized.'

BRADFIELD, Henry Sherman, a heavy land- owner of Durham Township, was formerly en- gaged upon an extensive scale as a general farmer and stockraiser, but is now living re- tired. He was born in Hardin County, Iowa, February 2, 1865, a son of James Newton and Ada (Wolf) Bradfield, who came to Durham Township when Henry Sherman Bradfleld was a child. Here he was reared and he attended the district schools. When he was twenty-one years old he began farming for himself, having acquired a practical knowledge of the work from his father. His first venture was on land owned by his father, and in 1890 he bought 300 acres in Durham Township, from his father. On it he has erected new buildings and made other improvements, and here he still lives, although he now rents his land, but for years he was engaged in general farming and was a large feeder of cattle. He also owns the fair grounds at La Harpe, 320 acres in Lee County, Iowa, and 100 acres in Route County, Colo.

On January 16, 18SS, Mr. Bradfield was mar- ried to Mary M. Reiselt, born in Ohio, January 5, 1861, a daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth Reiselt. They have two daughters, namely : Bernice, who was born November 10, 1893; and Opal Beulah who was born April 25, 1902, both of whom are at home with their parents. Mr. Bradfield is president of the La Harpe Fair Association and a director of the First National Bank of La Harpe, and is in every respect a representative man and excellent citizen.

BRADFIELD, James L., president of the La Harpe State Bank, and a leading agriculturalist of Durham Township, is very well and favorably known in Hancock County. He was born in Ohio, June 29, 1854, one of the four children

of his parents, James N. and Ada ( Wolfe) Brad- field. The father, James N. Bradfield was born in London County, W. Va., a son of James Bradfield, who was born in Virginia, and was married to a Miss Nichols. The mother, Ada Wolfe, was born in Coshocton County, Ohio, a daughter of James and Sarah (Meridith) Wolfe, natives of Ohio. After their marriage, James N. Bradfield was engaged in farming in Ohio, moving thence to Muscatine, Iowa, in 1854, and was there one year, then moved to Hardin County, Iowa, and remained there until 1870. In that year he came to Hancock County, Ill., and buying a farm in Durham Township, lived upon it until 1891, when he sold his farm and went to Nebraska. In 1899 he returned to Durham Township, on a visit during which he died, December 4, 1899. The mother died June 25, 1886.

James L. Bradfield attended the local schools, and has devoted his life to farming activities, so prospering that he now owns 525 acres of very valuable land. He was made president of the La Harpe State Bank, which has a capital stock of $25,000, and a surplus of $32,500. Associated with him in the bank are William H. Myers as vice president; W. B. Kaiser, as cashier ; and A. J. Moore, as assistant cashier. The directors are : W. F. Bradfield, D. R. Burr, S. J. Miller and J. B. Campbell.

Mr. Bradfield was married to Miss Ellen A. Ratzer, a daughter of Daniel Ratzer, one of the highly respected residents of Durham Town- ship. Mr. and Mrs. Bradfield have the follow- ing children: Estella R., who is the wife of S. W. Davis of Carthage, Ill .; Dr. James H., who resides at Sheridan, Wyo .; Leslie S., who lives in North Dakota ; and Mary B., who is the wife of C. J. Thomas, of Quincy, Ill. Mr. Brad- field is liberal in religious views. In politics he is a staunch Republican. A man of ample means and wide influence, his association with his bank strengthens it and adds to its prestige, and his policies receive the support of the best element in the county.

BRADFIELD, James Newton, now deceased, was for many years one of the substantial farmers and residents of Durham Township. He was born in Loudoun County, Va., Sep- tember 17, 1833, a son of James Bradfield, also born in Virginia. James Bradfield's wife was a Miss Nichols. They moved to Knox County, Ohio, when James Newton was a small boy. His mother dying when he was only six or seven and his father when he was eleven, he was thrown on his own resources at an early age.

James Newton Bradfield was married, in Ohio, to Miss Ada Wolfe, born at West Bedford, in Coshocton County, Ohio, a daughter of James and Sarah (Meredith) Wolfe, also natives of Ohio. In their family were four children: James L., William F., H. Sherman, and Laura Minnie (widow of C. H. Rice), all of whom are living today, the two former in La Harpe, the other two in Durham Township, near La Harpe. After his marriage James Newton Brad-

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field remained in Ohio for a time, then in the . was mayor of La Harpe, being elected on the fall of 1854 moved to Iowa, coming through by wagon over the vast unsettled prairies of In- diana and Illinois. Finally locating in Har- din County, where he bought a farm on the prairie and began improving it, breaking out the prairie sod, putting up buildings and fenc- ing the farm with rails made from the timber growing along the Iowa River. He lived here till the fall of 1870, having in the meantime acquired almost a section of land and improved it, also, having become extensively engaged in stockraising and feeding.

In the fall of 1870 he moved to Hancock County, Ill., where he had bought a farm in Durham Township. By untiring energy and good business ability he kept adding farms till he became one among the most extensive land- owners and stockraisers and feeders in the county. In 1889 and again in 1890 he went to England and France and each trip brought back an importation of English Draft (Shire) and French Coach horses. In 1890 and 1891, he sold out in Illinois and went to Nebraska where he resided till his death.

During the spring and summer of 1899 he had been in very poor health, coming back in the fall to Illinois for a visit with his sons, ex- pecting to go south to spend the winter. His health kept failing, till December 4, 1899, he died at the home of his son, W. F. Bradfield, and was laid to rest by the side of his former wife and companion, in the La Harpe Cemetery.

BRADFIELD, William F., a retired farmer of La Harpe, is a director of the La Harpe State Bank, and is ex-mayor of the community in which he makes his home. He was born in Hardin County, Iowa, March 12, 1863, a son of James N. and Ada (Wolfe) Bradfield, who had four children. The father died December 4, 1899, and the mother passed away June 25, 1SS6.

. Growing up amid rural surroundings, William F. Bradfield early learned lessons of industry and thrift which he has never forgotten, but has put them to good use during his subsequent career. After attending the country schools of his neighborhood, he took a short course at col- lege, and then turned his attention to farming in Durham Township, Hancock County. On February 17, 1885 he was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Shultz who was born and reared in Durham Township, Ill. To this union were born three sons : J. Sherman, Charles F. and Edward L. Their mother died October 10, 1898. Immediately after his marriage they moved on a rented farm but soon bought a farm and he continued his farming and stockraising till 1903, when he sold out his stock and rented his farm. In August, 1904, he bought a home in La Harpe where he has since resided. He still owns 240 acres of choice farm land on Section 12, Durham Township. In March, 1898, he assisted in organizing the La Harpe State Bank, and he has since continued one of its directors. From 1907 to 1909, Mr. Bradfield

Republican ticket. He has ably served as a delegate to the county senatorial, congressional, judicial and state conventions at various times, believing in the active participation of all good citizens in the conduct of public affairs. In pursuance of this policy he has accepted much public responsibility in the last few years. He was elected first chairman of the Red Cross in this township and served in that capacity all through the World's War, and is also a member of the county executive committee of the Red Cross. He is one of the five members on the finance committee of the State Council of De- fense, of Hancock County.

On March 22, 1917, Mr. Bradfield was united in marriage to Mrs. Barbara (Rice) Doss. The residence of Mr. and Mrs. Bradfield is a com- fortable one, and here they welcome their many friends with delightful hospitality. Mrs. Brad- field is inspector of all the Red Cross work in the La Harpe branch of the Hancock County Chapter, American Red Cross, and has been among the most active in the Red Cross. She has been active in the Liberty Loan drives and other patriotic work, acting as chairman of the Township committee in the various movements.

BRADSHAW, George Washington, a retired farmer of La Harpe, was formerly very exten- sively engaged in farming, and is one of the representative men of Hancock County. He was born in La Harpe Township, January 1, 1841, a son of Joel and Catherine (Dickson) Bradshaw, jatives of Tennessee, who drove from that state to Morgan County, Ill., where they entered eighty acres of land, at a very early day. In 1836 they came to La Harpe Township and entered land. to which additions were made until they owned S00 acres of land, of which all was prairie except 100 acres of tim- berland. Both died in La Harpe Township, he in 1907, and she in 1909. Their children were as follows: William D., who lives in La Harpe Township; Mary Jane, who is deceased, was Mrs. Frank Hine; George Washington; Susan, who died when young ; Emma. who is the widow of James Davis, lives at La Harpe; Louisa, who was Mrs. William Bainter, is deceased; Doug- las and James, both of whom are deceased ; and two who died in infancy.

George Washington Bradshaw attended the district schools and grew up on the farm. re- maining with his parents until his marriage, which occurred January 1, 1880, when he was united with Mary Delphine Maniford, born in Durham Township, February 7, 1853, a daugh- ter of Jasper and Cornelia (Hutton) Mani- ford, natives of Tennessee. After marriage Mr. Bradshaw moved on his farm of 380 acres in Durham and La Harpe townships, and on it he engaged in general farming and stockraising with very satisfactory results until 1904, when he bought a residence at La Harpe, rented his land, and since then has lived in retirement. Mr. and Mrs. Bradshaw became the parents of the following children : Mary Ellen, who is Mrs.

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois and history of Hancock County, Volume II, Part 92

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