Historical encyclopedia of Illinois and history of Hancock County, Volume II, Part 96

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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John H. Carpenter attended the schools of his native county. After attaining maturity he spent some time in Indiana, then returned to Ohio, but after a few years, moved to Rushville, Ill., in 1891 coming to the rural districts of Schuyler County. There he was engaged in farm work until his marriage, which occurred october 16, 1898, when he was united with Mertie Tribbey, born in Brown County, Ill., June 13, 1876, a daughter of James A. and Ellen (Wilgus) Tribbey. They moved to Hancock County in 1914. Mr. and Mrs. Carpenter be- came the parents of the following children : Viva, Nathan, Minnie, Ellen, Anna Mae and Charles W. (twins), Mildred and Linna. All of these children survive except Charles W. Mr. Carpenter was formerly a Democrat, but is now independent in his political opinions. When he came to Illinois he had but $2, but is now one of the well-to-do men of his locality. His present affluence is the result of hard work intelligently directed, and the commendable practice of strict economy, on the part of him and his wife. They have known how to make their work amount to something worth while, and at the same time they have firmly estab- lished themselves in the confidence and respect of their neighbors.

CARTER, Ernest C., a prosperous farmer and breeder of Poland-China hogs of Augusta Town- ship, owns and operates 135 acres of very val- uable land on section 18 of this township. He was born in Adams County, Ill., May 21, 1882, a son of John W. and Margaret (Abbott) Car- ter, natives of Illinois, and farming people who are now living at Augusta, Ill.

Ernest C. Carter attended the schools of his district and early began to be useful on his father's farm, where he learned farming in a practical manner. He remained at home until his marriage, which occurred October 4, 1905, when he was united with Miss Pearl M. Wilson, a native of Hancock County, and a daughter of Robert Johnson Wilson, a sketch of whom ap- pears elsewhere in this work. Mr. and Mrs. Carter have the following children : Arthur, Glenn, Wayne, Helen, Alva and Sterling. Mr. Carter belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church. He has always been a Republican, and

is now serving his district as a school director. His fraternal affiliations are with the Odd Fel- lows and Knights of Pythias. A hard working, thrifty man, from the time he went on his farm after his marriage he has made good, and stands very high with his neighbors and business asso- ciates.

CARTER, George H., a general farmer and stockraiser of Durham Township, is one of the well-known and thorougly reliable men of Hancock County. He was born at North Lon- don, Iowa, April 22, 1859, a son of Henry and Elizabeth (Sutton) Carter, natives of England, who were married there, and immedi- ately afterward came to the United States, settling in Henry County, Iowa, where Henry Carter was in a contracting business, and was engaged in construction work on the C. B. & Q. Railroad at Sheridan, Iowa. He died about 1864, when George H. was about five years old. He lived first with his mother and later with an elder brother at De Moines, Iowa.

On March 2, 1882, George H. Carter was married to Sarah Ellen Bainter, born Septem- ber 11, 1861, at La Harpe, 1Il., a daughter of Thomas and Elmira (Gray) Bainter, natives of Ohio, who came to La Harpe, Ill. After his marriage, Mr. Carter rented a farm in Hen- derson County, Ill., and continued to rent farms for eight years in that county, and then caue to nancock County and rented the J. B. Manifold farm until 1907, when he brought 252 acres of land from the Manifold heirs. Later he added eight acres, which he bought of Mr. Bartlett, and then forty acres bought of Mary and Newton Byler, all of which was under cultivation except forty-eight acres. which he cleared. He keeps fifteen acres for pasture, but cultivates the balance, and does ¿ceral farming and raises Polled Angus cattle, horses and hogs.

Although he attended the district schools, as did his wife, Mr. Carter has gained the greater part of his knowledge through experience and close observation. He is a Democrat and has served as a school director of Durham Town- ship for six years. He belongs to Durham Camp No. 3528, M. W. A. Mr. and Mrs. Carter became the parents of the following .children : Edna, who is Mrs. Lewis Curtiss of Pilot Grove Township, has four children, Mildred, Jesse, Maxine and Mary ; Alma, who is Mrs. Charles Krieg, of Durham Township, has two children, Helen and Ethel; Jessie, who is Mrs. Charles E. Byler of Durham Township, had one child, who died in infancy ; Roy H., who lives in Pon- toosic Township, is married to Anna Eckhardt, and they have one son, Eldred; Earl Glenn, who is serving in the National Army ; and Vir- gil Lavern, who is at home.

CASLEY, Henry Alexander, one of the highly respected citizens of Hamilton, is now living re- tired. For many years he was associated with the meat industry of this city. He was born in Pennsylvania, October 3, 1852, a son of George '

William If Rouson and family

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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY

and Rebecca (Howdyshell) Casley, natives of Pennsylvania. The father died in 1860, and the mother in 1872. There were seven children in their family, those living now being as follows : Charles, who is a farmer of Cheney, Kas. ; John, who is also a farmer of Kansas ; Jacob, Lucy and Sadie, who live at Mendon, Ill .; and Henry A. One of the sons is deceased.

Henry A. Casley lived in the family of W. L. Guthrie, both in Adams County, Ill., and Han- cock County, remaining with them until his marriage, which occurred in 1885. ther worked in a grocery and meat store, going later into the meat business for himself, and con- ducting it for many years, retiring in 1914.

On October 21, 1SS5, Mr. Casley was married to Clara Longwell, a daughter of George and Martha (Bauer) Longwell, both of whom are now deceased. Mrs. Casley was an only child. Mr. and Mrs. Casley have one son, George L., who was born April 21, 1886. George L. Casley was married in 1909 to Hallie Thompson, and they have two children, namely : Lee, who was born July 22, 1910; and Harold, who was born April 16, 1912. Mrs. Casley belongs to the Bethel Presbyterian Church, and taking a very active part in church work, she is a member of the Ladies Aid Society and the Missionary So- ciety, and teaches in the Sunday school.

CASSELL, Isaac W., who is one of the most prominent men of La Harpe Township, has been connected with educational and agricul- tural matters in Hancock County for many years, although more recently has confined his efforts to the latter. He was born in Knox County, Ohio, December 26, 1839, a son of Isaac and Lydia (Nicodemus) Cassell, natives of Carroll County, Md., where they were mar- zied in 1835, moving afterwards to Knox Coun- ty, Ohio, and there buying a farm, where they lived until death claimed them. "He passed away at the age of eighty-one years and she when seventy-five years old. They had twelve chidlren, of whom Isaac W. Cassell was the youngest, but all are deceased except him and a sister, Mrs. Lydia Detwiler, the wife of Wilson Detwiler of Knox County, Ohio.

Isaac W. Cassell spent his boyhood upon his father's farm, and when his country had need of his services he enlisted, September 3, 1861, in Company A, Twentieth Ohio Volunteer In- fantry. He served under the command of Gen- eral Grant at the battle of Shiloh, Jackson, Miss., and other important engagements, but was forced to take a furlough on account of sickness. Mr. Casell was sent to Boliver, Tenn., to recover, but before he regained his strength he was honorably discharged. He tried to get into a new regiment, but was refused on ac- count of continued ill health, and received his final discharge in the fall of 1862. He remained at home until 1863, when he entered Witten- burg College at Springfield, Ohio, and was graduated there from from the classical course in 1866. In the fall of 1866 he took the chair of Greek and Latin at Adrian, Mich., where

he remained until 1872, then going to Lincoln, Neb., where he helped to organize the public school system of that city, and remained two years. His health failing him, he came to Hancock County, and went on a farm in La Harpe Township, but in 1879, when the semi- nary at La Harpe was organized he was the leading factor in the establishment and called it Gittings Seminary. He was president of the seminary until the building was burned in 1889. Until a new home was built for it classes were held wherever room could be secured. In this interval Mr. Cassell resumed his farming operations, and has remained in this line of endeavor ever since, he and his wife owning his homestead of 350 acres just north of La Harpe and 240 acre in one piece in another farm. He raises registered Herford cattle, which breed he introduced into Hancock Coun- ty, and hogs, sheep, and horses.

On August 3, 1871, Mr. Cassell was married to Mary J. Gittings, born in Hancock County, Ill., a daughter of James and Susanna (Thomp- son ) Gittings. Prior to her marriage of Mr. Gittings, Mrs. Gittings was the widow of a Mr. Dague of Fountain Green Township, who came here in 1834, and entered government land. Mr. and Mrs. Cassell became the par- ents of the following children : Robert M., who lives at La Harpe, Ill .; Abbie, who is Mrs. Judd Hartzell of Monmouth, Ill .; Orot., who conducts the home farm; Mary Jane, who is a registered nurse of Galesburg, Ill .; Susanna G., who died at the age of twenty-seven years. Mr. Cassell belongs to the Union Church. He has risen high in the Masonic fraternity, belonging to the Blue Lodge and Chapter of La Harpe, Macomb Commandery and Peoria Shrine, and has held all offices in these lodges. Mr. Cassell belongs to La Harpe Post, G. A. R., and has served as adjutant and chaplain. A man of great intellectuality, Mr. Cassell has used his ability to advance the cause of education and raise the standard for conditions in his neigh- borhood. His advice is sought by many, and his good judgment relied upon by those who appreciate his knowledge and seek to profit by his experience.

CASSELL, Robert McConnell, ex-mayor of La Harpe, and a man of marked personality, whose business operations are of sufficient importance to place him among the substantial men of Han- cock County, was born February 22, 1874, at Lincoln, Neb. He is one of a family of eight children born to his parents, Isaac W. and Mary J. (Gittings) Cassell. Isaac W. Cassell was born in Ohio, and after several changes came to Hancock County, Ill. For a number of years he was engaged in farming upon an extensive scale, but is now living in retirement. When he first came to Hancock County, he spent his winters in teaching school, and was one of the well known educators of that time.

Robert McConnell Cassell attended both the grammar and the high school, and after com- pleting his educational training he began assist-

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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY

ing his father in farming, developing an exten- sive business as raiser and breeder of fancy Poland-China hogs. He has a farm of 135 acres of valuable land in La Harpe Township, and ships about 200 head of fancy breed hogs an- nually.

On December 25, 1899, Mr. Cassell was mar- ried to Miss Edith Hungate Calder, a daugh- ter of Peter Calder. Mr. and Mrs. Cassell have a son, Robert C., who was born October S, 1906. The Cassells belong to the Union Church. Mr. Cassell is a Mason and Odd Fellow, and promi- nent in both fraternities. A staunch Republican, he has always been active in his party, and in the spring of 1917 he was elected mayor of La Harpe. Since assuming the duties of that im- portant office, he has proven his fitness for public service, and is giving the people of his community a sound and businesslike adminis- tration. He is a man of wide acquaintance, and no one in this section stands any higher in pub- lic confidence.

CATLIN, George J., now living retired at Augusta, was for three years president of the First National Bank of Augusta, and during the period of his greatest activity was one of the most prominent men of this part of Han- cock County. He was born in Hancock Coun- ty, May 2, 1851, one of the seven children of Rev. William E. and Emma (Smith) Catlin. William E. Catlin was a clergyman, a native of Augusta, Ga., who lived in Hancock County from 1835 to 1841, when he went to Jackson- ville, Ill., where he entered Illinois College. After graduating, in 1845, he entered The Gale Theological Seminary, graduating in 1849. He went to Carthage, Ill., in 1850, was pastor of the church there, remaining some two years. His death occurred in March, 1903, and that of his wife in January, 1901.

George J. Catlin attended the public schools, and when he attained manhood began to sup- port himself by clerking in a general store. Later he went to Montana, where he remained from 1878 to 1898, he and his brothers taking up government land, and operating it until he returned to Augusta, Ill., in 1898. From 1908 until 1911 he was president of the First National Bank of that city, and then went to California, spending two and one-half years in that state. Once more he returned to Augus- ta to resume his business relations in that city, but in 1913 he retired permanently, and is now enjoying the ease he has fairly earned.

Mr. Catlin was married to Miss Harrietta Cooper, who was born in Hancock County, a daughter of James Cooper, one of the promi- nent men of Hancock County. They had one daughter born to them, Georgia, who is the wife of Willis Guy Stockton, a farmer, of Au- gusta, and they have one son, Donald Catlin Stockton. The family belongs to the Presby- terian Church. In politics Mr. Catlin is inde- pendent. His fraternal affiliation is with the Knights of Pythias. In every relation of life Mr. Catlin has proven his worth, and is justly

numbered among the worth-while men of this part of the state.

CHAMPLIN, John Albert, one of the retired farmers of Fountain Green, was formerly very prominent in agricultural matters in Hancock County. He was born in New York state, Octo- ber 7, 1852, a son of Albert Randall and Jane (Bentley) Champlin, natives of New York state. About 1856 the family came to Illinois, and lo- cated at Blandinsville, the father opening a law office and was engaged in an active law practice for six or seven years, when he traveled about for a time, finally settling in California.

When he was eleven years old, John Albert Champlin was sent to live in Fountain Green Township, with William Bullock. He worked for his board and clothing and the privilege of attending the district schools during the winter months for five years. He was then old enough to begin working on farms by the month, continuing with the Bullock family until his marriage, with the exception of six months.

In March, 1873, John Albert Champlin was married to Mary Viola Alton, born in La Harpe Township, a daughter of Charles Elliott Alton. Her father was a native of New York and her mother of Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Champlin had the following children Charles Albert, who lives at Hope, Ark .; Myrtle Pearl, who died at the age of six years ; and Pearl, who is Mrs. William Curry, lives three and one-half miles southeast of Bentley, Ill .; Anna, who died in infancy ; and Laurence Linden, who died at the age of fifteen years. Mrs. Champlin died April 30, 1914. On September 21, 1916, Mr. Champlin was married (second) to Ada H. Murtland, born in Fulton County, Ill., a daughter of Alexander and Frances (Frier) Murtland, natives of Butler County, Pa., and early settlers of Fulton County, Ill., although since 1865 they have lived at Fountain Green, Ill.

After his first marriage, Mr. Champlin rented a farm in Fountain Green Township for about nine years, and then bought eighty acres of land in that township, where he lived until the fall of 1914, when he left the farm and spent the winter with his son at Hope, Ark. The follow- ing spring he returned to Fountain Green, and rented out his 80-acre farm, and owns also 125 acres of the old Hopkins farm just north of Fountain Green. In politics he is a Republican and served as highway commissioner of Foun- tain Green Township for one term. He belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America. Mr. Champlin is held in high esteem by his neighbors at Fountain Green, and he deserves the comforts he enjoys that his former hard work have provided for him.

CHAPIN, Charles G., a substantial general farmer of Fountain Green Township, is one of the highly respected men of Hancock County. He was born in this township March 22, 1867, a son of Robert P. and Lavina (Libby) Chapin, natives of Ohio and Hancock County, respec- tively. The maternal grandparents, Charles

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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY

and Phemmy (Andrews) Libby, were among the very earliest settlers of Fountain Green Town- ship, securing land from the government. After their marriage, the parents of Mr. Chapin set- tled in Fountain Green Township, and there the mother died in October, 1897, since which time the father has made his home with his two sons. Their children were as follows: Charles G .; Florence, who is Mrs. Christ Laburn : Er- nest, who lives in Fountain Green Township; and Ada, who was Mrs. Howard Parker, died in January, 1910.

Charles G. Chapin attended the Rossville dis- trict school and grew up on the farm, remain- ing at home until his marriage, when he rented land in Fountain Green Township for three years, then moving to Pilot Grove Township where he continued to rent land for six years. He then moved back to Fountain Green Town- ship where he still rented until he bought forty acres of unimproved land. In the winter of 1916 Township, this 160 acres being principally pas- ture land. He also owns 120 acres of land he bought from his father, which he cultivates, carrying on general farming. In addition he has 160 acres. three tracts, in Fountain Green he bought 120 acres of land in Fountain Green Township.

In February. 1892. Mr. Chapin was married to Henrietta M. Sharp, born in Fountain Green Township, a daughter of Samuel Sharp, born in Ireland. Mr. and Mrs. Chapin have two chil- dren, namely : Merlin Robert, who lives in Foun- tain Green Township; and Blanche, who is at home. Mr. Chapin is a Republican, and served as assessor of Pilot Grove Township. A Mason, he belongs to La Harpe Lodge, No. 195, A. F. & A. M. An excellent farmer, he gives to his work intelligent oversight and the profitable results show that he thoroughly understands his busi- ness.

CHAPMAN, Samuel Seward, proprietor of the Elm Row Farm, in Prairie Township, is one of the progressive general farmers of Hancock County. He was born in Scott County, Ill., May 11, 1851, a son of Wesley and Elizabeth (Haynie) Chapman, the former of whom was born in Maryland in 1824, and the latter in Kentucky in 1826. The paternal grandparents were William and Anna (McLaughlin) Chap- man, natives of Maryland, where he died in 1825. In 1836, Wesley Chapman, accompanied by his mother, moved to Scott County, Ill. The maternal grandparents were Henry and Helen (Hire) Haynie, natives of Kentucky, who moved to Scott County, Ill., in 182S. Wesley Chapman and his wife were married in Scott County, and lived there until 1854, when they moved to Macon County, Ill. In the fall of 1855, they went to Davis County, Mo., leaving it in the spring of 1857, for Wythe Township, Han- cock County. In the spring of 1862, they came to Prairie Township, and settled on a farm of raw prairie land that they had bought four years previously. They broke the tough prairie sod and put in crops, and built the house and

other buildings still standing, and became the owners of 280 acres in one piece and 160 acres one mile north of their homestead. In the spring of 1890, they left their farm and moved to Carthage, where she died November 14, 1899, he surviving her until June 27, 1908. Their children were as follows : William W., who is de- ceased ; Henry H., who lives at La Junta, Colo. ; Samuel S .; Arthur, who is deceased ; Ella, who died in infancy; Ellen, who is Mrs. Marshall Clark, of Anaheim, Cal .; Alice C., who is Mrs. John Clark of Kansas; Mary, who is Mrs. D. W. Martin of Jasper, Mo .; George W., who is a physician of Quincy, Ill .; Frank E., who lives at New Richland, Minn .; Emma E., who is Mrs. Joseph Weir of Winfield, Kas.

Samuel S. Chapman attended the district schools and the University of Illinois, at Ur- bana. He lived at home until his marriage, which occurred September 7, 1876, when he was united with Nancy C. Jackson, born in Wythe Township, a daughter of Peter and Angeline (Hanson) Jackson, natives of Ohio. After his marriage Mr. Chapman rented land for eighteen months, then bought eighty acres of land that was well improved, in Prairie Township, and lived on it for ten years. He then sold it and rented his father-in-law's farm for two years, and during that time bought 150 acres of land which was a part of his father's homestead. He has named it the Elm Row Farm, and made many improvements upon it. He has always carried on general farming, and his long ex- perience is valuable to him in his present activi- ties.

Mr. and Mrs. Chapman have had the follow- ing children born to them: One who died in infancy ; John Hurst, who is at home; Irene E., who is a public schoolteacher at Morris, Ill .; and Myrna M., who is the wife of Dr. J. L. Richards, who is a physician connected with the Murray Hospital, of Butte, Mont. Mr. Chap- man is a member of the Methodist Church, of which he has been a steward for many years. His principles have long made him a Prohibi- tionist, and he has been very much interested in recent legislation regarding the passage of the national prohibition measure. Fraternally he belongs to the Modern Woodmen of Amer- ica, camp at Elvaston.

CHARPENTIER, Edmond L., one of the enter- prising business men of Hancock County, is profitably engaged in a merchandise enterprise at West Point. He was born in Wythe Town- ship, this county, February 4, 1872, a son of Jules A. and Marie (Boquet) Charpentier, na- tives of France, but came to Hancock County at an early day. He died June 23, 1895, and she died January 20, 1916. Their children were as follows: H. A., who lives at Bordeaux, France, where he is representing the Interna- tional Harvester Co .; Edmond L. ; and Clara, who was Mrs. W. G. Barnard, died November 1, 1918.

Edmond L. Charpentier remained on the farm until 1888, when he moved to West Point, and

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with his mother and brother established a mer- cantile business, but in 1902 H. A. Charpentier sold his interest to his brother and the latter with his mother now conducts the establish- ment. While he has always maintained his con- nection with his store, during 1901 he traveled through northern Illinois and Iowa in the in- terests of the Milwaukee Harvester Co., and represented it in France during 1901 and 1902.

On December 23, 1895, Mr. Charpentier was married to Minnie McLarty, born at Bowen, Ill., a daughter of Alexander and Margaret (Waggoner) McLarty. Mr. and Mrs. Charpen- tier have one son, Jules, who was born June 18, 1897, died December 27, 1916. Mr. Char- pentier is a Democrat, and served as town clerk for twelve years, and was elected supervisor of St. Albans Township in the spring of 1919. He belongs to Dills Lodge No. 295, A. F. & A. M .; Carthage Chapter No. 33, R. A. M .; Car- thage Commandery and Quincy Consistory, has held all the offices in the Blue Lodge, and is now district deputy grand master. He also is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. Coming of such an old and honored family of Hancock County, Mr. Charpentier is living up to the highest ideals of his name and is held in great esteem by his fellow citizens, proof of which is shown in his frequent election to offices of trust and responsibility.

CHENEY, David F., who owns a fine farm of 210 acres in St. Albans Township, was formerly one of the aggressive agriculturalists of Han- cock County, but for several years has turned over the active management to his sons, who are competent farmers. He was born in Holmes County, Ohio, October 5, 1853, a son of David and Lydia (Close) Cheney, natives of Indiana and Pennsylvania, respectively. They were married in Ohio, and in the spring of 1854 came to Hancock County, and bought timberland in St. Albans Township, which he cleared and improved. Here he lived and died, and he and his wife are both buried in one grave. Their children were as follows; George, who is de- ceased ; Mary Elizabeth, who is the widow of James Tanner of Stillwell, Ill .; Rebecca, who died at the age of eighteen years; Susan, who is the widow of Reason Howard; David F .; and Delia, who is Mrs. High Steiner of St. Albans Township.

David F. Cheney attended the district schools and remained at home until his marriage, in 1875, when he was united with Susan McAr- thur, born in Adams County, Ill., a daughter of Daniel and Mary (O'Daniels) McArthur, na- tives of Indiana. After his marriage, Mr. Cheney built a residence on his present farm, into which he and his wife then moved, and he has since kept on adding to his farm until he now owns 320 acres, of which 210 is under cultivation and the remainder in pasture. In 1915 he retired in favor of his sons, but still keeps himself busy.

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois and history of Hancock County, Volume II, Part 96

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