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 19
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In October, 1896, he was or- dained a minister in the Missionary Baptist church, and for some years served four different churches of his denomination as pastor. In August, 1897, he moved into Marion and in 1898 was appointed deputy collector under Sheriff Parks, and the year following was reappointed by Sheriff Gray. While still living on his farm he was elected a Justice of the Peace and served for four years. Also
treasurer of his township for eight years.
In September, 1903, he entered in- to partnership with James A. Felts and opened a book-store on Block 14, opposite the northwest corner of the public square. The partners erected the very handsome brick building they use for that purpose. Mr. Baker is a very efficient and faithful member of the church to which he belongs and one of its elders.
ROSS H. CUNNINGHAM, Drug Clerk.
Was born at Crab Orchard Novem- ber 18, 1877. He graduated from Marion High School in the class of '97, worked in The Leader office about a year and then enlisted for the Spanish war in the 4th Ill. Vol. Inf., Co. C., Capt. E. E. Barton in command. He was mustered in in May, 1898, and went into camp at Jacksonville, Florida, and from there to Savanna, Georgia. The boys were, however, too late to see actual service as Savannna was
evacuated five days before the regi- ment arrived there on the transport Mobile, on the 5th day of January, 1899. They remained, however, in Cuba three months for camp drill and practice marching in the inter- ior, and returned by way of Tampa and Angusta, where they were mus- tered out May 2, 1899. After a short time spent in The Leader of- fice and Gallaghers' Confectionery, he went into Cline's Drug Store, where he remained for two years and three months. About eight months ago he went to work for Mr. Bundy, where he still remains.
He is a Republican in politics, a member of the M. E. church and fraternally is Prelate of Monitor Lodge No. 236, Knights of Pythias, and a member of the Social Club of Silver Skulls.
On the 3rd of January, 1891, he was married to Miss Ethel Dunaway, by whom he has one child, a boy.
A. E. HARPER.
The subject of this sketch is the principal owner of and president of the Marion Light and Water Co. Mr. Harper is a native of Pennsyl- vania, is of Scotch and Irish ances- try that took part in the Revolution- ary struggle of America, and from such stock inherits the sturdy busi- ness character and energy that has marked his relations with the citi- zens of Marion.
He became interested in Marion when he came to investigate the coal fields around us, which was done in the interests of the Great Steel Cor- poration. He advised the purchase of thousands of acres now owned by the Steel Corporation and others connected therewith, and therefore
had a large part in starting the pros- perity that our County has ever since enjoyed.
Mr. Harper is a heavy holder of Marion real estate besides being in- terested in our Light and Water Plants, and is a firm believer in the future of Marion.
MRS. CENA A. MCCOWN.
Mrs. Cena A. MeCown is the widow of Major James D. Mccown, who was born February 7, 1824, in Robinson County, Tennessee, and died of camp fever March 10, 1863. He was a farmer for many years, but sold out and went into the Dry Goods business in Marion, which he followed until the war broke out, when he sold his interest to his part- ner, M. C. Campbell, and enlisted in the 128th Illinois. He was never in actual service, but remained at Mound City with his regiment, drill- ing until his death. Mrs. McCown was born February 16, 1828, in this County, before its separation from Franklin, and was married July 18, 1844. The death of her husband left her with seven small children to provide for and, remaining a widow for forty-one years, she has spent her life in rearing them. She is a member of the Missionary Baptist church. Her faith has through a long life been supplemented by good works, and, surrounded by her chil- dren and grand children, she sees the end draw near without anxiety or regret. The Bible has always been her counselor and its Divine Author her support. Her wisdom has come from above, and she has found abundant strength to bear her burdens by "Leaning upon the Ever- lasting Arms."
JOSEPH L. CALVERT.
The subject of this sketch was the son of J. N. Calvert. who came from Alabama and settled in Mas- sac County, Ill., in March, 1836. He afterwards moved to Pope County, and died in 1878, at the age of eighty-one years. His wife's name was Cynthis. She was a Tennessee lady and died in 1832, when Joseph, her son, was but eight years old. He was born about four miles from Golconda, in Pope County, February 19, 1824, and received in his boy- hood such education as his parents could give him in that early day be- fore the free school system was thought of. He was brought up a carpenter by trade and worked at it from 1845 to 1890. For eight years he sold lumber for Mr. Vick in the vards now owned by W. G. Cochran. His eighty odd years sit lightly on him, notwithstanding his laborious life. He uses a cane a little. reads without glasses, and his hearing and memory are very little out of "e- palr. His mind is a storehouse of
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SOUVENIR OF WILLIAMSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
the events of long ago, and he can entertain his friends by the hour ie- lating incidents of his early life. He is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church, but previously belonged to the New School Presby- terians. While a member of that church, he knew Rev. Mr. Ingersol, the father of the famous "Bon.' He served that society here for some years. His son was a lazy and dis- solute fellow and a disgrace to the good old man, spending his time hunting, fishing and lying in the shade or drinking and frolicking with very questionable companions. Mr. Ingersol bought a home here north and west of Marion about three-quarters of a mile, on the Wil- lis Aikman place. Mr. Calvert is a Mason and a member of the Coun- cil.
W. J. AIKMAN.
Contrary to the well-nigh uni- versal custom of this country, the subject of this sketch was born, reared and educated, was married and has always lived on the spot and in the house where he now lives. This is remarkable and noteworthy, but no more so than the well-pre- served condition of both house and
its owner. He first saw the light here in Marion November 10, 1854. On January 1. 1879. he married a daughter of the venerable S. S. Vick and wife, Miss Parle Vick, who gave him seven children, two boys and five girls. One son died in infancy and his eldest daughter is the wife of Dr. Baker. Mr. Aikman is Demo- cratic in politics, a member of the M. E. church South, President of the Board of Agriculture, one of the Board of Education and belongs to Fellowship Lodge, No. 89, A. F. and A. M.
WILLIAM J. SPILLER, Retired Farmer.
William J. Spiller is one of the oldest citizens of this County, who was born here. That interesting event dates as far back as October 4, 1833. when Williamson was a part of Franklin County. He was born and raised on a farm at Spil- lertown where he and his worthv wife lived and worked and raised their family of fourteen children.
Three years ago he moved to Ma- rion. His schooling was only at the "Deestrict Skewl House." About six years he spent at Carterville, in the General Merchandise business with his son-in-law and partner, J. V. Walker. For many years and un- til the first of the war, he was ex- tensively engaged in the manufac- ture of tobacco, which his father fol- lowed before him and which he learned in his youth when at work in his father's factory. He has been for about forty years a member of
Fellowship Lodge No. 89, of the
Royal Arch Masons, and is a Repub- lican in politics, though not a poli- tician. He is a charter member of the Christian Church, and has been an elder in it and one of its stanch- est supporters from its organization. His marriage to Susan E. Goodall took place March 31, 1853, and of his eleven living children, nine of whom are girls, all except the young- est are happily married and have families of their own. He still owns and works part of the old home- stead and one of the old coal mines.
JOHN G. SPARKS, Deceased.
The subject of this sketch comes of Scotch ancestry, who settled in Virginia and afterwards moved to Posey County, Indiana. When about eight years old his parents brought him to Staunton, McCoupin County, Illinois, where he remained until he was twenty-one. He then came to Sarahsville, Williamson Co., Il]., where he was married January 16, 1834, to Miss Rebecca Casey. He had previously learned the hatter's trade, and in 1839 came to Marion and began the manufacture of all kinds of hats. The year following he began the study of law under the late Judge Allen, and in 1842 closed out his hat business and moved to Belleville, continuing his law studies for two years more, when he received his license to practice by Judge Un- derwood. In 1844, as soon as he re- ceived his parchment, he opened an office in Jonesboro, but three years later removed to Murphysboro, where he continued the practice of his pro- fession for about five years. In the year of 1852 the California gold fever carried him to Sacramento. He did not go overland but took the wa- ter route via Cairo, New Orleans and Panama, crossing the isthmus. He was four months on a sailing vessel before reaching San Francisco. Without unnecessary delay, he en- tered the gold fields of Sacramento, and was soon half owner of the Table Mountain mine, for which he was offered the snug sum of $100,000, but refusing he was soon afterwards tricked ont of it. and lost it all.
In disgust, he turned his back un- on the whole business, and in the dead of winter started on horse-back for Walla Walla, Washington. He suffered much on that trin, often floundering through snow three feet deep in the mountains. On reaching Walla Walla, however, he immedi- ately "stuck out his shingle" and resumed the practice of law. While practicing in the Illinois Courts he had become acquainted with Abra- ham Lincoln, and a warm friend- ship had sprung up between them. In 1861 he received the appointment from Lincoln as Assessor of Internal Revenue for the then territory of Washington. His headquarters were
at Olympia, Washington. He served in this important office, with eight assistants, until the assassination of the president brought Andy Johnson and a change of administration and officers, when he returned once more to his profession, which he contin- ned to practice till his death, Novem- ber 14, 1891.
MRS. MARY L. MANIER, Pioneer.
Mrs. Mary L. Manier, widow of the late Judge John H. Manier, was born in Florence, Alabama, Decem- ber 5th, 1830. Her father was Thos. C. Kelley, and her mother Caroline Cunningham. Her mother's broth- er, Capt. Cunningham, was a cousin to Mrs. John A. Logan. Her parents married in Florence, Alabama, but came overland to Paducah, Ky., in 1837. At a later date they came to Marion, and settled on a farm about two and a half miles to the north- east of where the town now stands. Mrs. Manier and her husband were married February 7th, 1849. He was an active man of business affairs and an efficient public officer for many years. He was a judge of the County Court for four years, and served as Justice of the Peace for ten years and Postmaster of Marion eight years. He was born December 17th, 1830, at Florence, Alabama, and died near Fort Scott, Kansas, November 21, 1893. Mrs. Manier was always an active member of the Christian church, and in 1846 taught the first Sunday School in the Coun- ty. For a time she was a school- mate of Bob Ingersol.
She has two living children, Emily, who married Fletcher L. Wooster, now chief weighmaster, of U. S. customs, and lives on Market St., San Francisco, Cal. Her son is John E. Manier, who is a railroad man at Fort Worth, Texas.
The following pleasing incident is taken from the Marion Post and is given as showing the universal ap- preciation of the citizens of Marion for Grandma Manier:
"Grandma Manier, an old and highly respected citizen of our city, celebrated her 73rd birthday Satur- day. There were a large number of her friends and relatives assembled at her home, and each one carried her a beautiful present, which was very much appreciated by Grandma. She is a pleasant old lady and very much liked by the people of our city.
"Those who were there and en- joyed making the day pleasant for Mrs. Manler were:
"Harry Campbell, Mrs. Kate Wy- att. Geo. C. Cunningham, Lilian Stone. Joseph Francis, Ivan Francis, Mrs. John Stone, Mrs. Maude Sim- mons, Pauline Duncan, Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Jenkins, William Campbell, Mrs. J. Post, of Clinton; Mr. and Mrs. Stuard, Mr. and Mrs. J. Cline.
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SOUVENIR OF WILLIAMSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
Mrs. Irl and Mrs. J. H. Blankenship,
Mrs. Beard, Salem: Mrs. G. J. Aik-
man. Mrs. C. H. Reynolds, Mrs. W. T. Barham and son Charley, J. N. Thedford and wife, from Herrin: Mr. and Mrs. Henry Bantz, Ella Hill, Ella Duncan, Hortense Campbell, Gertrude Judd, Henrietta Judd, Amanda Harris, Mr. and Mrs. F. M. Goodall, Mrs. R. Trevor and daugh- ter. Louise, Mrs. G. W. Young, Mr. and Mrs. H. Scurlock, Lois Benson, Mary May, Georgie Canfield, Maud Canfield, Mrs. Schick, Mrs. W. W. Clemens, Rev. Weedon, Kate Burk- hart. Lima Jenkins, Celeste Benson, Mrs. J. M. Campbell, Bettie Peter- son, Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Tippy, Eli Roach. Mrs. J. C. B. Smith. Mrs. Geo. Duke, Jennett Sanders, Mrs. M. Hill and Jessie, Mrs. Wm. Spiller, Sarah Gahm, Alice Reece, Ida
Rochester, Barnece Frances, Mrs. T. J. Youngblood, Harriet Davis, Julia Wollard, Mrs. Reynolds, Forrest Duke, J. M. Burkhart, James Camp- bell, Lloyd Campbell, Mrs. W. H. Warder, Mrs. A. F. White, Mrs. H. Goodall, Wm. J. Spiller, Mrs. Mary C. Kern, Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Mitchell, Mr. and Mrs. Thos. Dunaway, Mrs. C. A. McCann. Mrs. J. M. McCann, Mrs .J M. Burkhart and Mrs. J. D. Goddard.
ADAM MCINTURF. Pioneer.
Adam MeInturf was born in Car- ter County. Tennessee, January 1, 1821. His father was a native Ten- nesseean and his mother a Virginia woman. His maternal grandfather was a soldier in the war of the Revo- lution. Adam came to Illinois in 1855 with his father's family and settled two and a half miles south of Marion on a farm which he sold in 1900. He has always clung to his farm, and had very little school- ing. In his political affiliations he has always been steadfast, casting his first vote for Henry Clay, and was one of the three Republican voters of the County for many years.
He has been equally as conserva- tive and steadfast in his religious opinions also, and has been a mem- ber of the Christian church for forty years. His cousin, Dannie McInturf, was one of the earliest of the ad- herents of Alexander Campbell, and became a very successful preacher in that communion in Carter Co., Ten- nessee. One of his nephews, James MeInturf, is now a Chrisitan preach- er at Clifton, Kansas.
He has been married twice. His first wife was Harriet Goodall, to whom he was united September 11, 1858, and by whom he has four liv- ing children. She died in 1866. He married again, February 14, 1867, Miss Mary Ann Jones, of whom he has three living children. He is a member of A. F. and A. M. Blue Lodge.
JASPER BRADLEY, Pioneer Carpenter.
As far as is now known, the sub- ject of this sketch enjoys the distinc- tion of being the oldest continuous native resident of Williamson Coun- ty, for he was born here August 12, 1833, and has always lived here. His father was Pleasant Bra lley, a native of North Carolina, who moved into East Tennessee and from there into Franklin County 75 years ago. He was a soldier in the Blackhawk War, but the date of his death can- not be given. He settled on a piece of government land within six miles of Marion, where he raised a numer- ous family, None of them could get much education in those days, but all were strong, able-bodied men and have lived long, active and use- ful lives. When about 40, Jasper took up the carpenter's trade an l has worked at it ever since. He married. February 22, 1856, Miss Neita Elizabeth Nelson, who bore him six children and died two years ago. In November, 1903. he took for his second wife Pamelia Ann, the widow of Tom Jordan. She was born in 1855. He is a member of the South M. E. church, a Blue Lodge Mason and an Odd Fellow.
ISAAC NEWTON ATWOOD, Pioneer.
Isaac Newton Atwood was born in Williamson County, Tennessee, April 8th, 1821, and was therefore 83 years old last April. He was mar- ried September 28, 1842, to Miss Hannah Hunt, daughter of Abel Hunt. in Tennessee. His wife was a native of Smith County, Tennes- see, where she was born September 17, 1817. She will, therefore, be 87 years old next September, and is at present the oldest living person in Williamson County. The young couple came with team and wagon witb a few cooking utensils and sparse bedding and clothing, im- mediately after their marriage in 1842 and settled in Dade Co., Mo., 40 miles northwest of Springfield. After about two and a half years they moved into Williamson County and took up government land in August, 1845. They deedel 120 acres, from which they have never parted, but still hold title to the most of it.
For sixty years the citizens of Wil- liamson County have counted his ticket for the Democratic party as regularly as they counted the months, and were never at a loss where to look for Isaac more than for the rising sun or the rivers and streams of their native heath. He and his good wife were "planted" and have flourished as a "Green Bay Tree." Six children were born to them, five of whom are still living and settled about them. They are:
Edwin Young, Sarah Elizabeth, who died March 5, 1865, Isaac Newton, Martha Jane, who married Henry Mose, Mary Catharine, whose hus- band, John W. Duncan, died not long ago, and Moses Able Atwood.
The old couple are quite energetic yet. and can get about pretty well, but are cared for by their children and grand children by turns. That duty at present devolves upon a pretty granddaughter, Miss Martha Rutha, daughter of Edwin Young Atwood.
Among the old relics of the past which the Souvenir man unearthed is a castiron kettle shaped much like an acorn, having four legs, which the young couple used when they went to housekeeping in 1842, and another holding about a gallon which the old lady persists in calling an oven, although a younger generation would insist is a kettle, but in which Mrs. Atwood baked her corn bread. sweet potatoes, coon and possum, among the glowing coals of a wood fire or hanging on a crane in the fire-place, in those happy primitive days, before wealth and fashion had built up impassable barriers between our American Aristocracy and the common people, from whom they sprang. But the ancient "oven" came from North Carolina to Tennessee and the young couple cooked their first and many a substantial meal in it, and it is as whole and serviceable as it was 75 or more years ago. But it rarely does service now, as the old folks and their offspring have be- come so "aristocratic" that they use a good cook stove and plenty of the convenient modern utensils with it.
They now count their offspring as five children, thirty-six grandchildren
and
forty great-grandchildren, thirteen more than Jacob took with him into Egypt. May they multiply in this modern Egypt beyond even good old Jacob, and fill the land with their progeny.
WM. SPRATI EY EVANS, M. D. Pioneer.
This venerable old gentleman, now verging upon 96 years old. with a reasonable prospect of reaching the century mark is the son of Ben- jamin Moseley Evans, a tailor of Murphysboro, North Carolina. He was born on the 18th day of July, 1808, in Southampton County, Vir- ginia, spent his youth in Murphys- boro and was educated by his father long before the days of the free school system rendered that task a light and pleasurable one. His first wife was Miss Mary J. Moore, who was united to him by the Rev. Isaac Collard in Kentucky. From Kentucky the young couple moved first to Henry County, Mo., and after three to five years, to Ash- ley, Washington County, Ill. Two
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SOUVENIR OF WILLIAMSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
years later they moved to Marion, which has been their home ever since. At a forgotten Cate he en- tered the Eclectic Medical College in Cincinnati, and took up the study of medicine under Dr. Beach, of New York. He spent about three years in college, from which he graduated. but it is impossible to give the date, as his papers, in the lapse of time, have been lost, but he began to prac- tice in 1846 and kept it up until his advancing years compelled him to refuse to make further calls or re- spond to the appeals of the sick. He was upwards of 70 when he quit practicing.
After the death of his first wife he married Miss Martha A. Moore, her sister, May 6th. 1845, the Rev. R. Fisk officiating. His family con- sists at the present time of seven living children, twenty-six grandchil- dren and seven great-grandchildren.
For a person of his are he is re- markably well-preserved. His men- tal faculties are strong. his hearing almost perfect and his sight toler- ably good. He enjoys good health and is quite strong and active. going to and fro without other help than a cane, and very little from that.
He is now and has been for many years an active member of the M. E. Church South, joining it before the division and remaining with it ever since.
P. S .- Since the above was writ- ten "Grandpa" Evans closed his life's labors and has been laid peace- fully to rest until the great day. He died April 26, 1904.
Of the children of his first wife two survive him, Mrs. C. H. House, of this city, and Mrs. Fannie Pres- ton, of Sewanee, Tenn. Of his last marriage there are still living one son, Dr. G. N. Evans, of Marion, and four daughters, Mrs. W. M. Davis, with whom he spent the closing days of his life: Mrs. Joseph Fozard, Mrs. G. T. Clawson, of Odin, Ill .. and Mrs. L. W. Carpender, of Blairstown. Mo.
He was licensed to preach at an early age, while still in Virginia, and later joined the Lonisville Confer- ence of the M. E. church. and for some considerable time was an ac- tive itinerant in that church. He came with his family to Marion in 1869. and soon after gave up the practice of medicine, but continued to preach the gospel until age and in- firmity closed his lips in death. Rev. W. T. Mathis, pastor of his church, delivered the funeral discourse. as- sisted hy Rev. Dr. F. L. Thomson, pastor of the M. E. church, a large concourse of people attending.
JAMES REED, Pioneer.
Is one of the few remaining relics of a past generation who linger be- yond four score years. But al- though himself a native of Franklin County, he comes of the hardy North
Carolina and Tennessee stock, and his life has been spent close to na- ture and "nature's Gol."
His father was Rhoderick Reed, who was born in North Carolina April 6, 1796, from which place he emigrated to Robinson County, Ten- nessee, when young. He moved to Illinois and settled in Franklin Co. in 1824 and died there in 1889, at the good old age of 93. His wife was Rebecca Sanders, who was born in 1818 and died about 1885.
The subject of this sketch married Elenor Perry in 1849, and by her has had eight children, all of whom are living and, except one, who lives in Franklin County, are settled in and around Marion. The wife died in 1892.
Mr. Reed boasts of being a Demo- crat, "dyed in the wool. three ply and hard twisted." His first vote for president was cast for James K. Polk, and he has never since vol- untarily omitted putting in a vote for the Democratic ticket.
In May, 1847, he enlisted in Capt. Cunningham's Company for the Mex- ican war, marched overland to Santa Fe, drilled for 18 months and then, the war being over. marched back again. This was his first and last military experience, and our kind- heartel Uncle Samuel remembers him on account of it-to the amount of $12 per month.
For about 14 years he has been an active member of the Missionary Baptist church and a Deacon for nearly as long, (but he don't draw a pension from it, although probably he ought). Mayhe the Chief Pay- master takes that into account when Uncle Sam draws his monthly check for $12. But what does it matter how the books are kept, so long as he don't go hungry.
MRS. ELIZABETH A. CHADWELL.
This venerable old pioneer, now nearing her 80th birthday. was born in Sangamon County, Ill., May 10th, 1825. Her father was the Rev. John Shepherd, of the Southern Illinois Conference of the M. E. Church, a native of Pennsylvania, born in 1789. Her mother was Sarah Clark. born in Maryland in 1788. The Rev. John Shepherd died at the home of his daughter in Williamson County in 1860. and was followed to the silent land by his wife in 1875.
Mrs. ChaAwell's first hushand was William Rufus Roberts, to whom she was united in 1841. He was a na- tive of Tennessee and met with death by an accident in 1845. They had two children, John L. Roberts and Sarah M. Roberts. Her second husband was Charles Chadwell. to whom she was married in 1849. He was born in Virginia and died in 1886. Three children were born of this union. William B. Chadwell, Eliza P. and Alice.
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