USA > Illinois > Williamson County > Historical souvenir of Williamson County, Illinois : being a brief review of the county from date of founding to the present > Part 18
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He received his discharge at Chi- cago in June, 1865, and returned to his home and farm.
On January 18, 1855, he was mar- ried in Washington County, Illinois, to Miss Margaret Ann Robinson, be- fore he went to Jackson County. Un- til 1872 he continued farming, but for four years thereafter was en- gaged in carpentering and building. He then moved into Marion and for sixteen years was in the grocery bus- iness. He was successful in this and gradually acquired a competence from which he has made his living since by loaning.
He is a Republican in politics and an Odd Fellow, and member of the M. E. church of Marion. He is at present Alderman of the Fourth Ward and a director in the William- son County Savings Bank.
SAM H. GOODALL.
President Carterville District Coal- mining Company, Marion.
Sam H. Goodall is a native of Wil- liamson County, Illinois, and a life- long operator in its coal fields. He
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was born in the city of Marion Feb- ruary 7th, 1866. His common school training was supplemented by a course at the Southern Illinois Nor- mal University, from which he grad- uated in 1887, and then taught school for two years. But having a taste for the law, he dropped the pro- fession of teacher and attended the University of Michigan Law School, graduating in 1891.
He was at once admitted to the bar and began his legal and political life by being elected City Attorney of Marion. The year following he was elected to the Legislature of Illinois from the
fifty-first senatorial district. He is a Democrat in poli- tics. Realizing the immense re- sources of the coal-mining industry and its promising outlook for busi- ness, he turned his attention and talents towards its development. Only four years subsequent to his admission to the bar he became in- terested financially in the industry at Carterville, and the same year, 1896, he opened the Crab Orchard mine near Marion. In 1900 he opened up the Chicago and Big Mud- dy mine at Herrin, and in 1902 formed the Carterville District Coal- mining Company, to which his ef- forts have since been confined.
Mr. Goodall was married May 25, 1893, to Miss Lizzie Cripps, daugh- ter of P. N. and Mary L. Cripps, of Marion. They have three children: Sam H., Jr., aged 11; Mary A., 9, and Ruth, 4. They are both mem- bers of the Christian church.
S. M. MAY, Clerk.
Was the son of a farmer, and was brought up on a farm, receiving only such education as he could gather at the common district school.
He married, at the age of 21, Miss Mary Virginia Lee, October 1st, 1884, by whom he is the father of two boys, aged 10 and 18. He be- gan housekeeping in Marion the day of his marriage, and for eight years followed the livery business. After that he entered a store as clerk, which occupation he has followed continuously until the present time.
He is a Republican in politics, and for three years has been the lo- cal Secretary of Lodge No. 6415, of the American Federation of Labor. He is a member of the M. E. Church South, and active in Sunday School work.
SAM T. BRUSH,
Mine Owner and Operator, Carbon- dale, Illinois.
Samuel T. Brush was born on a farm in Jackson County, Illinois, in 1842. His father died in 1849 and his mother in 1853. For five years the boy attended each winter a three-months' subscription school,
and at the age of 12 got a position
as newsboy on the Illinois Central. In 1857 he entered his uncle's store and learned bookkeeping, and in the following year began to study telegraphy at Carbondale. In two
months he had charge of the office. In 1860 he entered the preparatory department of Illinois College at Jacksonville, but in the spring of his first year he enlisted in the Union army under the first call for troops. In May, 1861, his company was mus- tered into the Eighteenth Illinois In- fantry. In October he was detailed by Gen. Grant as a telegraph oper- ator, and was soon promoted to be manager of the telegraph lines in the territory commanded by Gen. Halleck. In August, 1862, he was made Adjutant of his regiment and participated in all the movements of the Army of the Tennessee until af- ter the siege and capture of Vicks- burg. He marched with his regi- ment from Helena to Little Rock with Gen. Steele's army, and took part in the capture of the latter place in September, 1863. In February, 1×64, he was detailed as aide on the staff of Gen. Kimball, and when the latter was ordered east his successor, Gen. Joseph R. West, made Lieut. Brush his Acting Assistant Adjutant General. When the army at Little Rock was obliged to assume the de- fensive against the Confederates under Gen. Marmaduke, Gen. West, being new to the territory, depended almost entirely on his young Adju- tant General, who practically super- vised every movement of the de- fense: for seven days continuously in his saddle or at his desk issuing orders and sleeping one hour a day. The defense was so creditable that Gen. West recommended Lieut. Brush for appointment as his As- sistant Adjutant General. with the rank of Captain, an appointment not tendered, however, until after Lieut. Brush was mustered out of the ser- vice. He declined the appointment because Gen. West was ordered to the Rio Grande, where there was no chance for fighting. In 1869 Mr. Brush went into the coal business, and in 1889 helped to organize the St. Louis and Big Muddy Coal Com- pany, and was elected its general manager. Later he was made presi- dent of the company and still serves in both capacities. His record is that of an independent operator.
Mr. Brush has been married twice. His first wife was Sophia L. Free- man, daughter of George E. Free- man. She was born August 10th. 1842, in Cleveland, Ohio. They were married in Anna, Illinois. Five children were born of this
union, two only of whom survive: James C. Brush, of St. Louis, and George M. Brush, of Carbondale.
She died at Carbondale.
His second wife was Miss Jennie
Cander, daughter of Rev. Newton Cander, born at Lafayette, Indiana, November 24, 1846. They were married at Galesburg, Ill., Novem- ber 8th, 1882, and have had two children, Elizabeth at school in Co- lumbus, Ohio, and Alice C., with her parents. As might be supposed from his military record, Mr. Brush is a Republican in politics, and also a member of the Presbyterian church.
ELI D. ROACH,
Manager of the Marion Branch of
the Ellis Store Co.
This popular and successful mer- chant is a native of Williamson Co . where he was born August 18, 1x56. He is the son of Jesse Roach, of Tennessee, and Lucinda Smith, his wife, a native of North Carolina. His father died in Carterville in March, 1902, and his mother at Carbondale February 5, 1877. He was educated at the Carbondale High School, but took up milling for an occupation, and for eleven years made flour. In July, 1888, he began to buy grain for the Ellis Store Co, then took charge of their hardware and implement trade, and July 1, 1902, took charge of their Marion Branch, which he still runs.
His wife was Mary L. West, the daughter of Nicodemus and Martha West, to whom he was united on November 2nd, 1884. Six children have been born to them, all living. They are: Harry, Jessie, Lora. Lulu, Mable and Howard. He is a Repub- lican, a Free Mason, and he and his whole family are members of the Christian Church.
JOHN W. MITCHELL,
Supt. of the New Virginia Coal Co.
This gentleman, not yet 30 years of age, has proven his business ca- pacity and taken the front rank as a manager in the business of mining coal in the great Williamson County coal field. He is the son of the cashier of the First National Bank of this city, and has had the benefit of his father's careful training in business from childhood. He is a native of Marion, where he was born June 7th, 1875, and received his school training in Marion's superb educational institutions. He gradn- ated at the age of 16, and entered his father's employ as deputy county clerk, filling the position efficiently for four years. He then went to work for the Hospital at Anna, Ill., as bookkeeper, and remained with them for two years. He then re- turned to Marion and secured a po- sition as bookkeeper with T. J. Arm- strong, manager of the Ohio Valley Coal Company, since consolidated with the Peabody properties, and now running under the name of the
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SOUVENIR OF WILLIAMSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
Southern Illinois Coal Mining and Washing Company of Marion. Af- ter a thorough training under Mr. Armstrong he became head book- keeper for the New Virginia Coal Company January 1, 1904, and a year later was put in charge of the mine.
As superintendent of this large property he has developed unexpect- ed and unrivaled capacity and given complete satisfaction to his employ- ers.
His marriage took place March 22, 1897, to Miss Grace Duncan, daugh- ter of James H. Duncan, by whom he has had two children, Lucile and Lillie. He is a Republican and a member of the M. E. church. He is also a K. P. and Modern Woodman.
PHILIP RICK.
Philip Rick, the popular pro- prietor of the West Side Hotel at Marion, Ill., is a native of Baden, Germany, where he was born Jan- uary 6, 1857. He was reared on a farm and received the thorough and liberal training of the German schools. At 16 years of age he left school, and coming to America en- tered the service of a Reformed Mennonite Minister
at Sterling, Whiteside County, Illinois, by the name of John Wickesser, for whom he worked on the farm for five years. He then put in four more years for others when he married and rented a farm for seven years. His wife was Anna Ensey, of Swiss parentage, but American born and reared. They were married December 20, 1882, at Indianapolis, Ind. She died July 18, 1901, at Morrison, leaving him two children: Jessie, the wife of Dave Bailey, and Earl P., who lives at home and is still at school.
In connection with his farm, Mr. Rick run a general store and Post Office at Ideal, DeKalb County, Ill. On the 2nd day of March, 1902, he married again, and this time took Mrs. Willis Roberts, a widow. In
September, 1903, he sold out his farm property in Northern Illinois and moving to Marion bought the West Side Hotel. His wife was born in Posey County, Indiana, February 28, 1853. was taken to Gibson Co. by her parents when a child and to Williamson County when seventeen. She married Mr. Roberts September 3, 1891. and became a widow. She works in the same harness with her husband, and together they run the most popular travelers' resort in Marion. He is a Republican and an Adventist.
PROF. J. B. CROWELL, Veterinary Surgeon.
The subject of this sketch, who with the single exception of Dr. Arm- strong easily takes the lead in the
ranks of his profession in Southern Illinois, is a native of Jackson Co., and a farmer's boy. lle was born near Carbondale October 31, 1866, and at the age of 18 entered the Carbondale High School. After three years' faithful application, however, he returned to the old homestead and in April, 1889, two years later, he married and followed the plow for about six years. But, tempted by the good wages offered, he entered the employ of the Fre- donia Coal Mine and dug coal for a couple of years. But he felt him- self superior to his occupation, and entered the private veterinary school of Dr. Killman at Kansas City, Kas. His studies under that famous teach- er was supplemented with a year's practice with Dr. John Armstrong, of Toronto, Canada, at Carbondale. In June, 1902, he passed the rigid ex- amination of the State Board at Springfield, and has since practiced under this certificate. In July, 1899, he came to Marion and has been in steady and successful practice here ever since.
His wife was Manthus Cruse, also a native of Williamson County, born on Herrins Prairie, by whom he has had three children: Libbie, aged 15; Ruby and Ray C. He comes of Eng- lish parentage and of an exception- ally large family. His father was Benjamin Crowell, and his mother's name was Catharine. Both were married three times, and the chil- dren of all three unions numbered twenty-six. He was the youngest, except one sister, of a single family of 14.
His father died in 1874, but his mother still survives and is living with her children at Carbondale. At the age of 78 she is as active and vigorous as most women of 40.
In politics Mr. Crowell is a Repub- lican, and is a member of the Free Baptist church and a K. of P.
SYDNEY C. GRIGGS.
Second son of Benjamin B. Griggs, and brother and partner of Benj. E. Griggs, was born in Moultry Co., Ill., May 16, 1877. He never received more than a common school educa- tion, but was reared to run and manage the saw and grist-mill and engine in connection with his fath- er's business. When the family moved to Marion in 1898 he went into the brick business, and lately bought the father's interest in equal partnership with his brother.
He is a deacon in the Missionary Baptist Church of this city, a Prohi- bitionist and a Republican.
BENJAMIN EURA GRIGGS.
Was the youngest son of Benja- min B. Griggs, and born in Johnson County, Ill., May Sth, 1882. After
the usual time spent in our excel- lent common schools he spent four years in the High School at Marion, from which he graduated in 1901.
After he graduated he took up the study of pharmacy and spent one year in a drug store in Harrisburg. After the death of his mother, the family plans were changed and he entered the Scranton Law Corre- spondence School and with a room- mate is now pursuing the study of the law. He is a member of the Missionary Baptist church, a Prohi- bitionist and a Republican.
BENJAMIN B. GRIGGS.
Was the youngest son of a large family in Perry County, Ohio. His parents, Benjamin and Anna Marie (Struble) Griggs, moved west from New Jersey in an early day, and set- tled in the heavy timber of Ohio, among bear, deer, wild turkeys and Indians. They both lived to a very old age, upwards of 80, and were buried where they had lived in Ohio. The subject of this sketch was born in Perry County, August 4th, 1846. His father was a nurseryman and brought up his son to the business, which he followed until the war. Al- though but 17 years old, he entered the service in 1863 and served until the close of the war. He enlisted in the 31st Ohio, Co. G., 1st Brigade, 3rd Division, 14th Army Corps un- der Pap Thomas, with whom he served in all the terrible battles in and around Chattanooga, Missionary Ridge, Lookout Mountain and At- lanta, and followed Sherman "From Atlanta to the Sea." He was under fire every day and night through all that memorable seige and was never wounded or sick in the hospital an hour during the whole time of his two years' active service, and was mustered out at Columbus, Ohio, at the close of the war in 1865. The 31st took its old flagstaff, with S2 bullet-holes in it and the flag hang- ing in ribbons, with them to Colum- bus, where it now remains in the State Military Museum.
Two years after the war, April 4, 1867, he was married to Miss Sarah Margaret Fisher, and in 1869 came to Moultry County, Illinois. Later they moved to Harrisburg, in Saline County, and about 1898 settled in Marion. Mr. Griggs sold out his farm in Saline County and bought a brick-yard and grounds at Marion, on East College St., near the Fair Grounds, and engaged in brick-mak- ing, which he followed until within a few months, when he sold out to his boys.
In connection with his farming and nursery business he ran a saw and grist mill for about 15 years. Although an active and ambitious man and a strong Republican in poli- tics, he never ran for an office. He
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SOUVENIR OF WILLIAMSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
is the father of eight children, of whom five are living. Their names, in the order of their birth, are: Mrs. Marie Josephine Clark, Saline Co .; Roy Griggs, Saline Co .; Sydney C. Griggs, Marion; Bertha Griggs, Car- terville: Benjamin Eura Griggs, Ma- rion. His first wife died March 19, 1904, at Marion, and he was united in marriage with Miss Pauline Camp- bell, of Marion, September 23, 1904.
JOHN H. WHITE, Deceased. Lieut. Colonel 31st III. Vol. Inf.
Was born in Connecticut February 24. 1821. He came while a child to Indiana and in 1840 moved to Wil- liamson County. He was a cabinet maker by trade, but snuffing the battle afar off he was very active in getting up the Ist Illinois regiment, commanded by Col. Newby, for the Mexican war. Capt. John M. Cun- ningham, the father of Mrs. Logan, was chosen captain of his company, and Jno. A. Logan, First Lieutenant. There were no railroads in those days, and the brave 1st Regiment had nothing for it but to foot it over to Santa Fe, New Mexico. They started from Alton and it was a brave and weary march, up hill and down again, and it took them two good years to do it in, and they didn't get a chance to fire a shot, for the little scrimmage with the greas- ers was snuffel out before they reached Santa Fe, but they didn't know it. This fiasco took place in 1847. and soon after Lieut. (then Major) White took a trip to Cali- fornia, across the plains.
In the Spring of 1857 a vacancy occurred in the office of County Clerk, and White was chosen to fill it. He came home, served out the term and was re-elected twice. In 1861 he resigned his office and en- tered the army. He was very active in raising the 3Ist. Illinois, and was made Lient. Colonel in recognition of his services. He fought at the battle of Belmont, where he had his horse shot under him, and was killed at the memorable seige of Fort Don- aldson. In 1863 his regiment raised a marble monument in the Marion cemetery to his memory, at a cost of $1,000.
MARION C. CAMPBELL, Deceased.
Marion C. Campbell was the son of Cyrus and Hannah Campbell. He was born in Williamson County Jan- uary 12th, 1834. He was married to Hannah F. Cunningham in 1860, by whom he had three children, two sons and one daughter. His wife, Hannah, died in April, 1864, the sons having died before the mother. The daughter, Anna C., married John D. R. Turner, and they now reside in Springfield, Missouri.
March the 19th, 1866, he married
his second wife, Cyrene H. Cun- ningham, a sister to his first wife, who still survives him, and lives in Greenville, Mississippi, where he died July 12th, 1902. at the age of 65 years and 6 months.
His father died when he was about eleven years of age, his moth- er and young sister (now Mrs. Stil- ley) going to live with his brother, Monroe Campbell. He attended school at Bainbridge, taught hy Isaac Stockton, until he mastered the three "R's," readin', 'ritin' and 'rithmetic. At the same time he would work in the store and do any- thing his brother had for him to do. In fact, he was put in the store be- fore he was tall enough to reach the goods on the shelves.
At this early age he began the struggle for an independent, useful life. By his energy and industry he developed business ability so rapidly that his brother trusted him with the whole management of the husi- ness and store and would call him in consultation over business. When about fifteen years old his brother sent him to Missouri to look after some business affairs in that state. While there he began his career of stock trading by buying a lot of young cattle, which proved to be a profitable investment, but he often said the first money he ever made was by swapping off a bald-faced Bay pony and getting five dollars boot.
About the year 1856 he entered into partnership with John Goodall in the dry goods and stock business, which for long years was a thriving and successful business to them- selves and the County. Who of the old settlers does not remember Goodall and Campbell? These two men were always true friends, like brothers almost.
Curt Campbell. as he was known to every man, woman and child, was a friend to everybody, especially to those in distress and trouble. He has gone on more honds and security than any man in the County. He fed and clothed many of the poor. He was generous to a fault.
He was interested in and identi- fied with all public improvements, and was a friend to religion and edu- cation. By and through his in- fluence and keen foresight, Marion has many improvements and advan- tages. He was a man of progress and push. Williamson County Agri- cultural Association owes its exist- ence and reputation to his untiring energy and perseverance. He was president of the Association a long time.
After many years of a successful business career, Dame Fortune played him fickle, and the reverses came thick and fast. But nothing daunted that courageous, noble spir- it. He worked even harder than ever in his younger days, and had, after many hard years of strength
about accomplishel his heart's de- sire-freed himself from debt and accumulated some property. His cherished wish was to get money enough to go back to Marion, go in- to business and live again in Marion among relatives and friends.
But alas, "Man proposes but God disposes." He was as popular and as well known in Greenville as in his old home, and the expression from all when he passed away was, "A noble, good ant upright man has been taken from us. He acted his part well on the stage of life, leav- ing behind him a good name for deeds well done."
CYRENE H. CAMPBELL.
Cyrene H. Campbell was born July 14, 1846, in Marion, Illinois. She was educated at St. Vincents Academy, Ky., where she received medals for good conduct and indus- try. She joined the Baptist church August 22. 1865, and remained a consistent, working member of that church until she left it to unite with the Christian church, of which she is still an active, wide awake mem- ber. I am told she was largely in- strumental in building the Christian church at Marion, and since her resi- dence in Greenville has aided in building the church and encouraging the cause of Christ. She is a ment- her of the King's Daughters. She, with other good ladies, is doing a wonderful work in charity.
She was married to M. C. Camp- bell March 19, 1866. They lived in Marion thirty years, and then came South, where she still resides. She has many, many kind, loving friends, which she and her husband have made. All that ever have known them in their adopted Southern home. love them.
J. M. BURKHART, Merchant.
J. M. Burkhart is a native of Knox County, Tennessee, where he was born June 8, 1841. His father was Peter Burkhart, who was born in Hagerstown, Md., Nov. 1, 1785. His mother was Anna Gilliam, also a na- tive of Knox County, Tenn., where she was born in 1801. The father died in 1869 and the mother in 1889, both in Knox County.
Mr. Burkhart's early life and un- til the Autumn of 1862 was spent in Tennessee. From the age of 16 to that of 25 he worked at the carpen- ter's trade, and his education was limited to the public schools of that County. In 1862 he came to Ma- rion and in 1869 entered the ranks of the Dry Goods Fraternity. In 1873 he entered into partnership with H. Goodall and opened a store on the very spot now occupied by him and his sons in the dry goods business. The firm was known as Goodall and Burkhart, and continued
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SOUVENIR OF WILLIAMSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
under that arrangement until 1882, when he bought out Mr. Goodall. For five or six years he run his busi- ness alone, but in 1890 sold a half Interest to A. J. Binkley, which last- ed for thirteen years or until July 21, 1903, when he bought ont Mr. Binkley, whose failing health pre- vented him from longer confinement to business. The firm of J. M. Burk- hart and Sons was then formed and still remains.
When the First National Bank was organized in 1891, he helped or- ganize it and was elected its cashier. He could not, however, fulfill its du- ties and run his store, so he re- signed, and two years later sold all his bank stock and retired from the company.
In July of 1903, when the present Marion State and Savings Bank was incorporated, he was one of the orig- inal stockholders and its Vice Presi- dent. He is still a stockholder, but not an officer, preferring to take the position of Vice President of the Williamson County Savings Bank, of which his son is cashier, which he did upon its organization.
Mr. Burkhart married Ellen Spil- ler May 2, 1872. She was born in Spillertown November 10, 1850, and has given birth to nine children, whose names in the order of their birth are as follows: Annie and Lena, deceased; Carl, Will, Jean. Kate, Ethel, Ralph and Ruby. He was a member of the Masonic lodge for forty years last May. He is re- publican in politics, but has never aspired to office. He affiliates with the Christian church, of which his wife is a member.
REV. B. F. BAKER, Felts and Baker. Booksellers and Stationers.
The subject of this sketch was born in Grassy Precinct, Williamson County, Illinois, September 5, 1857. He was reared on a farm, attending school winters until 1877, when he spent the Spring term at the South- ern Illinois Normal University at Carbondale. He began teaching in 1875 and taught for ten years under A. N. Lodge, County Superintendent, farming summers the meanwhile. July 12, 1877, at the age of 20, he was united in marriage to Miss Sarah D. Fly, the daughter of Rev. W. L. Fly. They have no living chil- dren.
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