Historical encyclopedia of Illinois and history of Montgomery County, Volume II, Part 78

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897, ed. cn; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913, ed. cn; Strange, Alexander T., ed
Publication date: 1918
Publisher: Chicago : Munsell Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 810

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gomery County. While at Vicksburg, the con- cussion of heavy firing caused the breaking of a blood vessel. and he was confined in General Hospital No. 2 at Vicksburg, for a time, but aside from that he was not injured during his long period of service.

Mr. Covington owned 125 acres of land on the West Fork of Shoal Creek, in North Litch- field Township, and he farmed this property until 1905. when he rented the farm out for a couple of years, and moved to Litchfield. Later he sold his farm and bought property in the city, and has since lived retired. In 1873 Mr. Covington went to Cowley County, Kas., and filed on 160 acres of land. being there for one year, but then sold his interest and returned to Montgomery County.

On March 31. 1864, Mr. Covington was married to Louisa Roberts, born in Montgomery County, Ill., May 1, 1847, a daughter of James (. and Nancy ( Hughes) Roberts, natives of Tennessee, early settlers of Hillsboro Town- ship. where they came about 1832, but they later moved to North Litchfield Township. The grandparents of Mrs. Covington were Josiah and Susan (Hart) Roberts, and Thomas C. and Mary E. (Godsy) Hughes. Josiah Roberts served as a member of the famous "Tom Benton Regiment." during the War of 1812, and was in many engagements including those of Horse- shoe Bend and Tippecanoe, and after the close of the war, he was a government surveyor in Montgomery County. Thonias C. Hughes was a soldier during the Black Hawk War, enlisting in the service from Montgomery County, having come here in 1832. Mr. and Mrs. Covington became the parents of the following children : Effie : Nellie; James H., who is now deceased, was married to Amanda Lentz, and they had three children, Chester, who is now serving in the United States army, Eva and James; Dora J., who was married to Charles H. Crees, has the following children: Edna, Newton, Jesse, who is now in the United States army : Rosa, who is married to Josiah Dolbow, had the following children : Laurence, Mary, Marie and Eli, the last being deceased ; Bert, who is de- ceased; Virgil, who lives at Denver, Col., was married to Maggie White, and their children are. Charles, Mary, Jesse and Harry ; Jesse C., who lives at Alton. Ill., was married to Eulah Shepard and their children are: Zella, Opal. Howard, John. and two who are deceased, Susan and Margaret; and William Otis, who lives at Fort Cobb, Okla., was married to Bertha Wood, and their children were Leslie, Willis, Ryland, Glenn, and one who died in infancy. Mr. Covington never attended school more than three months, but he is a well informed man, and very intelligent. Mrs. Covington is a mem- ber of the Free Methodist Church. In politics Mr. Covington is a Republican. He is a highly regarded member of S. B. Phillips Post No. 379, G. A. R.

COX, William Alvah, Jr., who owns and oper- atos 22S acres of valuable land in North Litch- field Township. is one of the prosperous farmers

HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY

1039

of Montgomery County. He was born in Macou- pin County. Ill., July 21, 1876. a son of William Alvah and Frances (Hoxsey) Cox, natives of Macoupin and Madison counties. After their marriage the parents located on a farm in Macoupin County. Ill., and lived there until 1896 when they moved to South Litchfield Township, Montgomery County, where they now reside on their fine farm of 175 acres.

Growing up on his father's farm, William Alvah Cox, Jr .. attended the schools of his dis- trict. On September 29, 190S, he was married to Mary E. Cooley, born at Athensville, Greene County. Ill., January 25, 187S, a daughter of Thomas C. and Etna Jane (Heaton) Cooley, both natives of Greene County. Ill. Following their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Cox lived in Litch- field where he was employed at the American Radiator works. and in the tile yard. He also was engaged in conducting a farm of eighty- eight acres he owned in North Litchfield Town- ship, to which he added twenty acres. At one time he owned 320 acres of land near Herford, Tex .. but later sold it. In March, 1916. he bought 120 acres of land adjoining the city of Litchfield on the northeast side. and there he now resides, and carries on general farming. Mr. and Mrs. Cox have the following children : Robert William, who was born January 26, 1910: George Donald, who was born March 25. 1912; and Rosemary Elaine, who was born June S. 1915. Mrs. Cox attended both the grade and high school. and is a graduate also of Brown's Business College of Jacksonville, Ill. They belong to the Christian Church. In pol- itics Mr. Cox is a Democrat. An excellent farmer and good business man he has succeeded in his life work and also stands very well with his neighbors.

CRABTREE, George L., manager of the George Legg Poultry Company, at Raymond, Ill., is one of the sound business men of this county. He was born in Sullivan County, Tenn., February 28. 1872, a son of Jacob and Rebecca (Blakley) Crabtree. Both parents were reared in Ten- nessee and married there where the father was a farmer. They remained there until about 1STS when they came to Illinois, where Mr. Crabtree bought a small farm in Macoupin County, on which he finally passed away, al -. though he and his wife had previously spent five years on a farm in western Kansas, from whence they returned to their old farm.

George L. Crabtree remained at home until he was twenty-six years old, giving his par- ents the benefit of his labor. He then located on a farm in the vicinity of Waggoner, Mont- gomery County, where he spent three years, and then went to St. Louis, Mo., for eight months, and on his return to Montgomery County lo- cated at Raymond and has resided there ever since. For the past ten years he has been con- nected with the George Legg Poultry Company, and for nine years of that time has been mana- ger. through industry and fidelity having gained the confidence of his company.

On August 20, 1898, Mr. Crabtree was mar- 27

ried to Sadie Whelan, and they have had two children born to them: Cecil Jacob, who is a brave soldier in the United States army in France. and John A., who is attending school. Mr. Crabtree is a Republican and has been a member of the village board. is on the present school board, and at one time was the village policeman. He belongs to the Presbyterian Church, and in fraternal matters is a member of the Yeomen of America, and carries insur- ance with the Bankers Life Company. His ex- perience has been somewhat varied so that he is an excellent judge of human nature, and understands the needs of his community from a cívic standpoint, so he has been an excellent official in the several positions to which he has been elected.

CRAWFORD, James E., who owns and operates a fine farm on Section 34 Zanesville Township, comprising 200 acres, is one of the substantial men of his locality. He was born in this town- ship, one-fourth mile west of his present place, January 10, 1865, a son of James M. and Susan (Thompson) . Crawford. James M. Crawford was born in Tennessee and he was a son of James Crawford who came to Montgomery County from that state in the fall of 1829. and made a settlement on Section 34, Zanesville Township. The Crawford family comes of Vir- ginia stock from whence members emigrated into Tennessee. He lived and died on his farm, and his son. James M. Crawford, father of James E. Crawford, was one of eight children who grew to maturity. namely : Edward, James M., David, William, Stephen, Martha, and Susan.

James M. Crawford was reared in Zanes- ville Township where he was married, his wife having been born in Ohio, but was brought by her parents to Franklin. Ill., and thence to Montgomery County. James M. Crawford and wife had the following children : Nancy B., who is the wife of William H. Wallis; Quinland T., who is deceased; Polly J., who lives at Litch- field ; James E .: Johnnie, who died when six months old ; and H. R., who lives at Litchfield, Ill. James M. Crawford was a Democrat, and was a member of the Grange.

James E. Crawford was reared in Zanesville Township, and attended the local schools and the Litchfield High school. He lived at home until he was married December 23, 1SS4, to Ella A. Grisham. After marriage Mr. Crawford and his wife moved on their present property. They have had sixteen children, namely : Edith, who is Mrs. John G. Deaton; Quinland. who died when twelve years old; Susan, who is de- ceased : Johnnie. who lives in Montgomery County ; Mabel, who is Mrs. Henry Westbrooks; Nellie, who is Mrs. Charles Holliday ; Martha E., Charles, Ruth, Viola. LeRoy. James, Ruby and Robert who are at home; Hattie, who died when eight months old; and Clyde who is at home.

Mr. Crawford belongs to the Presbyterian Church of Litchfield. Mrs. Crawford is a mem- ber of the Free Methodist Church and all the

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HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY

children are members of the New Hope Bap- tist Church except Susan, who was a member of the Christian Church. He is a Democrat in politics. For some years Mr. Crawford has been handling Holstein cattle, having now a herd of thirty with a registered bull at the head, and these he uses for dairy purposes. It is interest- ing to note that the Crawford family went from Scotland to Ireland in 1735 or 1737, and thence to Virginia, in 1730. Members of this family have been prominent in the history of this country ever since it was established some at- taining distinction, and all reflecting credit upon the name, notably the Montgomery County branch.

CRAWFORD, Samuel H., one of the substantial agriculturists of North Litchfield Township, is a highly respected resident of Honey Bend. He was born in Zanesville Township, this county, September 3. 1848, a son of Edward and Lydia J. (Hisey) Crawford, natives of Washington County, Tenn., and Rockingham County, Va. The grandparents were James and Nancy B. (Blair) Crawford, natives of Scot- land. The great-grandfather, who was born about 1760, brought the Crawford name into this country, and he located at Calt Pastures, in Virginia. where he was massacred by the Indians. The Crawford family subsequently emigrated to Tennessee, and April 9, 1829, to Illinois, the father later securing land in Zanes- ville Township, Montgomery County, where he developed into a very prominent man. His interest in educational matters was active and sincere, he erecting the first building for school purposes in his township, and he served as a school director and trustee for many years. His death occurred May 13, 1902, when he was ninety-one years old, as he had been born Octo- ber 7. 1811. The mother died February 26, 1908, having been born June 5, 1826. Their children were as follows: Nancy B., who died February 28, 190S; Samuel H .; and Edward L. and Lydia H., both of whom live with their brother Samuel H.

Samuel H. Crawford resided at home and at- tended the early subscription schools and later the district schools, and learned how to be a capable farmer. On May 30. 1882, he was mar- ried to Mary M. Mattox, born in Indiana, a daughter of Samuel and Margaret Mattox, and they had one daughter, Mary, who died in infancy. Mrs. Crawford died August 19, 1883. On March 12, 1885 Mr. Crawford was married (second) to Nettie Paisley, who was born in Hillsboro Township. December 5, 1848, and died December 17, 1916. She was a daughter of Samuel and Clarissa (Fuller) Paisley, natives of North Carolina and Ohio, respectively. Mr. and Mrs. Paisley were married and lived in IIillsboro Township, where they celebrated the anniversary of their golden wedding. His death occurred December 12, 1893, and hers July 30, 1904.

After his first marriage, Mr. Crawford moved on four acres he owned on the present site of Honey Bend. Here he erected buildings, and

lived very comfortably until in 1900 when he lost his residence by fire, but he immediately replaced it by a more modern one. He kept on buying land, six acres on Section 3, eighty-four acres on Section 2, and finally accumulated 226 acres, all in North Litchfield Township, except ten acres in Zanesville Township. He also owns property in Honey Bend. Until 1901 he carried on general farming, and was a large feeder and raiser of livestock, but since that date has de- voted himself to raising, buying and shipping hay. Mr. and Mrs. Crawford had one daughter, May Esther, born April 12, 1886, who is at home. A member of the Presbyterian Church, lie has served as an elder since 190S. In poli- tics he is a Democrat, and has been assessor one term in Zanesville Township, and for five terms was assistant supervisor of North Litch- field Township. A man of practical experience and wide outlook, he has been very successful, and stands high in public esteem both as a public official and private citizen.

CRESS, Frank E., owns a fine farm of 540 acres located on Sections 19, 20, 29 and 30 Fillmore Township, which is known as the Clover Hill Stock Farm. He was born on his present farm September 8, 1880, a son of Daniel Cress, Jr., and Jane (Whitten) Cress, the former of whom was also born on this farm, April 29, 1846, a son ,of Moses and Crissey (Barringer) Cress, both of whom were born in North Carolina. Moses Cress was born in 1800, and died Sep- tember 12, 1850. In 1833 Moses Cress was married and came to Montgomery County, Ill., and there he became a heavy landowner, acquir- ing 700 acres of land on which he engaged in breeding stock.

Daniel Cress, Jr., was but four years old when his father died, but he inherited the homestead, and continued stockraising when he grew old enough, having entire charge from the time he was sixteen years old. He was married October 3. 1867, to Jane Whitten, who was born in Fillmore Township, November 14, 1848, a (laughter of Levi and Priscilla ( Hill ) Whitten. The death of Daniel Cress, Jr. occurred March 3. 1915, but his widow survives and continues to live on the homestead. They had three chil- dren, namely : Minnie, who is the wife of Alex- ander Bost of Filmore Township; Mertie who died in infancy, and Frank E. Daniel Cress, Jr. was a Democrat. He never cared to hold office. and belonged to no religious or fraternal organizations. giving his entire attention to his farm and family.

Frank E. Cress was reared on his present farm, and attended the district schools and the Coffeen Normal where he was under the tui- tion of Jacob T. Traylor. He took the exam- inations for a teacher, and passed them suc- cessfully. but did not teach school as he as- sumed charge of the stock business of his father when nineteen years old, and has been thus en- gaged ever since. He is a breeder of registered Brown Swiss cattle, his herd being headed by Morgan No. 4745, the only one of this breed in this section of the county, and he has the only

Herman & Jodt & Wife

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HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY

herd of this kind of cattle. He also owns Grandee, registered Percheron stallion, No. 52420, and he is a breeder of Percheron regis- tered horses as well as registered Shropshire sheep, and jacks and jenetts. Mr. Cress runs a stable in the summer and is very successful in all his ventures, understanding his business thoroughly. He is a Republican in politics, but like his late father has found little time for public matters. As the only son and the only grandson he has inherited all the Cress pro- perty.

CRESS, H. Frank, is engaged in operating his fine farm of 100 acres in Fillmore Township, near Fillmore. He was born on his father's homestead in Fillmore Township, now occupied by H. Lee Cress. in March, 1875, a son of Al- fred Jackson and Harriet (Cress) Cress. Al- fred Jackson Cress was born in Cabarrus County N. C., and there he was reared. Dur- ing the Civil War his sympathies were with the South and he served in the Confederate army, but with the close of hostilities, he sought new surroundings in Illinois. and coming to Mont- gomery County, met and was married to Har- riet Cress, a daughter of Peter Cress. She was born on the homestead of her father, whose native state was North Carolina. who had come to Montgomery County at an early day and entered it from the government and this pro- perty has never been out of the Cress family. Alfred J. Cress later bought this property, ad- ding to it until he owned 360 acres of land, and on it he died in November 1903. His wife died on that same farm in March, 1912. They had six children. all of whom survive namely : Del- bert, who is sheriff of Major County, Okla .; Edward, who is a farmer of East Fork Town- ship. Montgomery County ; H. Frank ; Harry, who lives at Granite City. Ill .; H. Lee, who lives in Fillmore Township; and Nellie, who is the wife of Jacob Graham, of Fillmore Town- ship. A Democrat. he was staunch in uphold- ing his beliefs. and was a man of large affairs.

H. Frank Cress was reared on a farm and at- tended the local schools. He remained at home until November 24. 1904. when he was married to Ida Fesser. a daughter of August and Ade- line (Livingston ) Fesser. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Cress settled on their present farm, and there she died April 20, 1915. leav- ing two sons, namely : Roy Francis and Orville Otto both of whom arc attending school. Mrs. Cress was a consistent member of the Lutheran Church. In politics Mr. Cress is a Democrat and is serving as a school director. In his farming he is running into registered stock, having at the head of his herd a registered Shorthorn bull. He also breeds and raises a good grade of Poland-China hogs, and handles these swine extensively.

CRESS, H. Lee, owning and operating 306 acres a valuable land on Section 5. Fillmore Town- ship, is one of the leading men of his locality. He was born on his present farm, November 15, 1879. a son of A. Jackson and Harriet (Cress)

Cress. A. J. Cress was born in North Carolina, and during the war between the states, he served in the Confederate army. Owing to losses, he resolved to seek a new location after the close cf the war, and came to Illinois and settled in Montgomery County, where he was . married. He and his wife located on the farm now owned by their son H. Lee Cress. She was a daughter of Peter Cress, a native of North Carolina, who came to Montgomery County at an early day, and entered land from the govern- ment. It was on this farm that A. J. Cress died October 3, 1903, and his widow died March 28, 1913. They had six children, name- ly : Delbert, who is a farmer of Oklahoma, and sheriff of Major County; Edward, who is a farmer of East Fork Township; Frank, of Mont- gomery County, who lives in Fillmore Town- ship; Harry, who lives at Granite City, Ill .; and Nellie, who is the wife of Jacob Graham of Fillmore Township. They belonged to the Lutheran Church, and were always willing workers for that denomination. In politics he was a Democrat, and a man of high standing in his neighborhood.

H. Lee Cress was reared on this farm, and attended the grade and high schools. After the death of his father he bought out the other heirs and is now operating the place, raising and feeding registered Shorthorn cattle, his valuable bull being Baron Sutton No. 363210. He keeps from thirty to forty head of cattle, all of them registered, and he has been in this line for the past ten years. In the past his product has been sold in all of the surround- ing counties, but he now confines his sales to private parties. Mr. Cress also raises a good grade of Poland-China hogs, and registered Per- cheron horses, his stallion being Vickland No. 84376. His colts average from three to five annually. In politics he is a Democrat, but his time is too fully taken up with his farming and stockraising for him to enter public life, al- though he is popular enough to insure a fine showing if he would permit his name to be used on the party ticket.

CRESS, Henry Absalom, a prosperous farmer and stockman of Hillsboro Township, resides on Section 3. and was born on his present farm, August 12, 1859, a son of George Henry and Jane F. (Cory) Cress, natives of Hillsboro Township. Montgomery County, Ill., and Ohio, respectively. Henry Absalom was the only child horn of the marriage of his parents. George Henry Cress was a farmer and miller. He was the owner of 200 acres of land which he im- proved, and he died on his farm. December 16, 1800, having been born March 13. 1836. He was married to Jane E. Cory. born April 22. 1837. April 29, 1856. and both he and his wife were Lutherans. After his death. his widow was married to W. W. Keele, and she died March 25, 190S, when over seventy-one years old. By her second marriage, she had two children, namely : Lucy Jane Keele, who died in infancy ; and Thomas Carter Keele. who was killed by lightning in Colorado. He was married to

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HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY

Amanda Duckworth while living in Colorado, and they had a daughter, Nellie Keele.

The paternal grandfather of Henry A. Cress was Absalom Cress, and his wife's name was Catherine Fogleman. They were natives of North Carolina, and became early settlers of Montgomery County, locating on a farm in But- ler Grove Township, where they died. Their family was as follows: Susanna, who married George File; George Henry ; Mary, who mar- ried Peter Ludwick; Catherine, who married J. J. Scherer; Martha, who married William Brookman ; Monroe; Solomon Francis; Laura, who married Robert Holmes; and several who died in childhood. The maternal grandfather of Henry A. Cress was Thomas H. Cory and his wife bore the maiden name of Hannah Leg- gitt. They were married in Ohio, and came to Illinois at an early day, locating in Hillsboro Township, at what is now Cory bridge on the Middle Fork. west of Hillsboro, and there the grandfather died, and the grandmother also passed away on this farm. They had the fol- lowing children : Jane E., Nancy, Julia, James, Thomas Benton, Lucy, Henry C., Mary E., and Sarah.

Henry A. Cress was about seven years old when his mother married for the second time. and he lived in the central part of Butler Grove Township for a time, and then went to live with his grandmother Cress. After her death he lived with his uncle Solomon Francis Cress. Having attained to manhood's estate, Mr. Cress went to Colorado and spent about two years, and upon his return located on the old home farm, which has continued to be his home ever since. It contains 440 acres, 200 of which he inherited, and to it he added the remaining 240 acres. His business has been general farming and stock raising. Henry A. Cress has one of the finest improved farms in the county. His handsome brick residence is situated on a pla- teau commanding a grand view of the valley below, and for miles away. This farm is a show place, and is pointed out as a model by Mr. Cress' neighbors.

On March 19, 1882, Mr. Cress was married to Miss Anna Clotfelter, a daughter of James W. and Dorcas (Bost) Clotfelter, and they have three children, namely : Henry Absalom, Jr., who was born December 29, 1882; Hubert H., who was born October S. 1SS5; James Washington, who was born July 31, 1889. Henry Absalom Cress, Jr. was married December 25, 1909, to Irene Barry. James W. Cress was married to Essie Webster, and they have one child, Lillian Louise.

Mrs. Henry A. Cress was born in East Fork - Township, this county, July 17, 1859. Her parents were natives of North Carolina, and both are now deceased. They had eight chil- dren. as follows: Elma, Clara, Anna, Lizzie, Mollie. Minnie. Kittie and Ralph. The paternal grandfather of Mrs. Cress was David Clotfelter, and he was married to Nancy Short. On March 1, 1833. they with their nine children started from North Carolina, intending to make a home for the family in the West. The names

of the children were as follows: Amos, Lee, William, David S., Elizabeth, who married Smith Barry, Ann, who married Robert Hope ; Zelpha, who married William Frame, and one dlaugliter who died in infancy. The father of these children was taken suddenly sick, and died on the summit of the Blue Ridge Moun- tains. The family was prostrated by this dire misfortune, but they could not turn back, and the body of David S. Clotfelter was buried where lic died, and the grief-stricken family re- sumed the journey. They first stopped at Cape Girardeau, Mo., where they remained until the fall of 1833, and then came on to Montgomery County, Ill. The maternal grandparents of Mrs. Cress were Jacob and Peggy Bost. They were natives of North Carolina, and early set- tlers of Montgomery County, where both died. Their children were as follows: Jacob, Henry, Martin, John, Dorcas, Susan, Polly and Kitty, or Catherine.

In politics Henry A. Cress is a Democrat, and he has been a school director for many years and has served as road commissioner for three years. Ever since the Montgomery County Farm- ers Mutual Insurance Company was organized about twenty-five years ago Mr. Cress has been a director and was first treasurer of the com- pany. He is secretary and treasurer of the Cress Hill Cemetery Association, and a director in the Montgomery County Farmers Institute and a member of the first board of education of non-high school districts in Montgomery County.

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois and history of Montgomery County, Volume II, Part 78

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897, ed. cn; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913, ed. cn; Strange, Alexander T., ed Publication date: 1918 Publisher: Chicago : Munsell Publishing Co. Number of Pages: 810

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897, ed. cn; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913, ed. cn; Strange, Alexander T., ed
Publication date: 1918
Publisher: Chicago : Munsell Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 810