History of Alexander, Union and Pulaski Counties, Illinois, Part 118

Author: Perrin, William Henry, d. 1892?
Publication date: 1883
Publisher: Chicago, Ill. ; O.L. Baskin & Co.
Number of Pages: 948

USA > Illinois > Union County > History of Alexander, Union and Pulaski Counties, Illinois > Part 118
USA > Illinois > Pulaski County > History of Alexander, Union and Pulaski Counties, Illinois > Part 118
USA > Illinois > Alexander County > History of Alexander, Union and Pulaski Counties, Illinois > Part 118

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

B. H. SCHEIRICK, fruit farmer, P. O. Villa Ridge, was born in Lancaster County, Penn., February 1, 1833, to Henry and Margaret Scheirick, both of whom were born and died in Pennsylvania. They were parents of four sons

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and two daughters. In 1865 our subject came West, settling first in Ohio, but shortly after- ward came to Villa Ridge, and remained in the village for two years, then to his present fruit farm. By trade he is a coach-maker, serving an apprenticeship of three years, then worked under instructions for a year longer. He was married in Pennsylvania, to Elizabeth Metzger. She was also born in Lancaster County, Penn. Mr. and Mrs. Scheirick have two sons and two daughters. In politics, he is Republican. When first coming to his farm it was all in woods, but by his energy and industry he has made a suc- cess, and has his farm in good state of cultiva- tion. Strawberries, grapes, sweet potatoes, etc., receive his attention.

I. N. TAYLOR, teacher, Villa Ridge, was horn in Owensboro, Ky., January 1, 1858, son of Thomas and Maria (Norris) Taylor. They were both born in Ohio, and he was a relative of President Taylor. By trade he was a carpenter, but had engaged in the saw-mill business before his death, which occurred in 1864, in Massac County, Ill. She died in Hick- man, Ky., in 1862. They were the parents of five children, four of whom are still living, two daughters and two sons. The daughters both reside in New Orleans. Our subject and his brother, George Z., in this county. George Z. is ship carpenter on the United States boat, "John N. McCombe," but his family resides in Mound City. Our subject, the youngest of the family, was educated in the high school of Me- tropolis, Ill., and then, instead of selecting some mechanical pursuit, as almost all his relatives have done, he chose the profession of teacher, and for several years taught school in John- son County, Ill., and then began a classical course at the Southern State Normal, at Car- bondale. He attended for three years, and has taught two successful years in this (Pulaski) County, one year being Principal of the Villa Ridge Schools. In 1882 he again returned to the Normal to complete his course, but his

health failed, and he had to abandon it for the time. For two seasons, he has represented the fruit commission firm of Ender & Meyers, of Chicago, at this point. He is member of Me- ridian Lodge, No. 94, I. O. of G. T .; also Mound City Lodge, No. 250, I. O. O. F. He is Repub- lican in politics.

E. M. TITUS, merchant and fruit-grower, was born in Auburn, Cayuga Co., N. Y., January 2, 1829, son of G. W. and Jerusha (Sutphin) Titus. They were natives of Middle- sex County, N. J., both born in 1800. After marriage they moved into New York. In 1839, they moved to Franklin County, Ohio, where they died, she in 1844, he in 1862. They were the parents of four sons, three of whom still survive, the other being killed by Indians in Oregon. I. S. is a physician in San Francisco, the other, A. R., is a cabinet-maker in Michigan.' For some years, our subject was engaged in the distilling business in Ohio. In 1855, he went to California, where he was engaged in mining, but in 1860 he came to Cairo, Ill., and was in the wholesale grocery house of Trover & Miller. In 1867, he located in Villa Ridge, and engaged in the general merchandise business, and has been here since, having different partners in business. In 1877, Mr. E. J. Ayers bought an interest in the store, and has continued since. They carry a complete general stock of about $10,000, with annual sales reaching $30,000. Mr. Titus has been Postmaster of Village Ridge since March 1, 1873. In Ohio, in 1854, he was married to Christina Montgomery. She was born in Coshocton Co., Ohio, to John and Mary (Markley) Montgomery, both of whom are na- tives of Ohio and still living. Mr. and Mrs. Titus have five children, viz .: John, Frances, Mary, Seth and George. He is member of I. O. O. F. In politics, is Republican. Mr. Titus resides about two and one-half miles east of Villa Ridge, where he has a fruit farm, having eighty acres, about one-half being in fruit and vegetables.

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VILLA RIDGE PRECINCT.

ROBERT WELSEN, farmer, miller, etc., P. O. Villa Ridge, was born in Saxony, Germany, February 28, 1832, son of Gott- helf and Regina Welsen. The father was a farmer in Saxony, and was raised and died there. They were the parents of thir- teen children, our subject being the youngest, and the only one of the family to emigrate to America. He received his education in the high schools of his native country. In 1850, he came to the United States, to New Orleans, then New Albany, Ind., where he worked in a foundry and learned the trade. July 10, 1857, he came to Mound City, and worked at his trade for a short time, but soon quit and engaged in other business for himself. Since 1860, he has been engaged in saw and grist mill busi- ness in Missouri, in Mound City, and since 1873 at his present location. He is also en gaged in farming, his farm contains eighty acres, and lies one-half mile north of Villa Ridge. At New Albany, Ind., April 22, 1855, he was married to Margaret Vogle. She was born in Bavaria, April 13, 1834, to Wolfgang and Kate Vogle. He died in the old country. Mrs. Welsen came to America with her mother in 1851. Mr. and Mrs. Welsen have three chil- dren-Emma, John F. and Flora. They were reared in the Lutheran Church.

H. H. WIETING, fruit-farmer, P. O. Villa Ridge, was born in Hanover, Germany, Novem- ber 10, 1821, to Gearhard and Deborah Wiet- ing. They were born and lived in the same State of which our subject was a native, and both died there, at the age of sixty-three years. His occupation was that of farmer. They were the parents of eight children, only three of whom are still living, our subject being the only one in America ; one sister came also, but she has been dead many years. Mr. Wieting was reared on a farm, and educated in the com- mon schools of his native country. At the time he was twenty years of age, eleven out of every hundred were exempt from the army,

and our subject drew one of the exemption tickets, so did not have to serve any time in the army. In 1847, he came to the United States, and settled in Pulaski County, Ill., and this State has been his home since. In making the trip, he was eight weeks on the water, coming to New Orleans, then up the river to Caledonia. November 11, 1873, he came to his present farm. It had been let go down and thrown out, but Mr. Wieting has now put it in a good state of cultivation. His farm contains eighty-three acres, fifty of which are in cultivation. Straw- berries receive most of his attention. Novem- ber 11, 1849, he was married in this county to Mary Sowers. She was a native of North Carolina, daughter of David Sowers, one of the early settlers of the county. She died August 11, 1851, leaving one child, which died in in- fancy. October 14, 1852, he was married to Pheba Essex, she was born in North Carolina. (See sketch of Joseph Essex.) Mr. and Mrs. Wieting have three children dead and two liv- ing-Mary Ann, Lovina and Nancy deceased, Joseph H. and Susie, the living. Mr. W. and family are members of the Shiloh Baptist Church.

D. H. WINANS, fruit-farmer, P. O. Villa Ridge, was born in Piqua, Miama Co., Ill., September 20, 1825, to John and Louis (Hand) Winans. Both were born in Newark, N. J., and were married previous to moving to Ohio. They died in Ohio, he, in 1833 of the cholera, she at the age of eighty-four years. They were the parents of seven chil- dren, four of whom still survive. He by trade was a boot and shoe maker. Onr subject, who is the youngest of the family, received his edu- cation in Piqua, Ohio, and while in Illinois learned the marble business. In the fall of 1847, he come to St. Louis, and in spring of 1850, started in the marble business in Green- ville, Ill., and carried on a shop till 1864, when he went to Cairo, where he remained till 1881, then came to his present farm, but his family

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had preceded him to the farm two years. As he has stock on hand, he still works some at the marble business. His farm contains 126 acres, on this he cultivates fruits. December 20, 1853, he was married in Carlyle, Ill., to Ellen L. Norton. She was born in Bond County, Ill., to Augustus and Sarah (Scott) Norton (both de- ceased). Mr. and Mrs. Winans have seven

children-Alice H., William L., John D., Mary E., David H., Josie M. and Walter S. He is member of the I. O. O. F., Alexander Lodge, No. 224, of Cairo. He had joined the order before coming west, also belongs to the Cairo Encampment, and to the Villa Ridge Pat- rons of Husbandry. He is Republican in politics.

GRAND CHAIN PRECINCT.

JAMES A. C. ALLEN, physician, New Grand Chain, is a native of Prince Edward County, Va., born July 23, 1827, a son of Sims and Margaret (Calhoun) Allen, both natives of Virginia. The father was a farmer, and was a · man of great talents for one of no profession. He was well versed in the literature of the day, and was favored with comparative great wealth. His death occurred in 1870, at which time he was eighty-four years old. He was in the war of 1812. His wife, by whom he had five children, died early, when our subject was small, and he subsequently married Sally (Vaughn) Whitehead. James A. C. Allen, the subject of these lines, in his younger days was quite feeble in health, which circumstance per- mitted only an occasional attendance in the old subscription schools of his native county. Engaging in farming pursuits imparted new vigor to his frame, and his health was thereby greatly improved. Leaving Virginia about 1850, he traveled considerably for his health also, and in August, 1853, he located in Union County, Ill. Previous to leaving his old home, however, he had commenced the study of medi- cine under M. A. Bentley, M. D., of New York, who also removed to Illinois, and the two ac- cidently met, neither one knowing that the other had wandered so far West. The two practiced together for a year or so, Dr. Bent-

ley dying in 1854; the same year our subject went to Williamson County, Ill., where he was engaged in the practice of his profession for a period of ten years, during which time he farmed some, also being the owner of two farms. In this county, he was married, No- vember 22, 1854, to Sarah E. Todd, a daugh- ter of John W. and Mahala (Phillips) Todd, natives of Tennessee. About 1864, he re- turned to Union County, where he remained until 1873, at which date he came to Pulaski County, and has since resided here. He has a farm of eighty acres, besides his residence in Grand Chain. His family consists of three children-John S., born December 29, 1855 ; Margaret V., April 19, 1858, and James E., January 26, 1862. The Doctor is a member of the A., F. & A. M., Saline Lodge, No. 336. Politically, he is a Democrat.

THE BARTLESON FAMILY. John Bar- tleson was born in Virginia about 1801. He was a tailor by trade, and was thus engaged in Lancaster, Penn., at an early age. It was here or somewhere in the immediate vicinity, that he became acquainted with Mary W .. Chapman, and shortly afterward married her. From information gleaned from the most authentic resources, it appears that the only known relative that John Bartleson had, was a half-brother by the name of James Bartleson,

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GRAND CHAIN PRECINCT.

t was much the same case with his wife. She was the only child of Ambrose Chapman, and being left an orphan at an early age, was raised by her grandmother, at whose death she was left without a relative within her knowl- edge. After their marriage, the happy twain removed to Ohio, and very soon afterward lo- cated in Stark County, where a part of their large family was raised. They removed to Morgan County, of the same State, and re- sided there for a few years. In 1843, they came West, by river, settling in Pulaski County, where their two youngest children were born. In all, there were thirteen children, viz., Edwin, who now lives in Missouri ; A. C., Robert and William, twins ; Amanda (de- ceased), Eliza S., James, Warren K., Aratus, Mary J., an infant (deceased),. Alonzo (de- ceased), and John W. John Bartleson and his two eldest sons, were in the Mexican war. The father was killed at the battle of Buena Vista. The report of his death nearly broke the heart of the one by whom he was most dearly loved. She was left a widow, with twelve children, the youngest of whom was born while his patriotic father was fighting for his country. But it was not long before the ringing tones of the bugle were heard again throughout the land. This time, we were divided against ourselves. President Lincoln called for those who would uphold the stars and stripes, who would fight for union and for liberty. Nobly, gloriously, did she respond to the nation's call for aid ; no less than eight no- ble sons did she send to the front, to give their lives if necessary, for that of the country, to which their father before had given his all. Two went out as Captains of companies. Seven of the eight returned. Alonzo died in Cairo. Mary W. Bartleson passed away Jan- uary 4, 1868, loved and respected by all.

A. C. BARTLESON, proprietor Oaktown Saw Mills and farmer, Oaktown, was born De- · cember 6, 1827, in Stark County, Ohio, the sec-

ond child born to John and Mary W. (Chap- man) Bartleson. He received but a meager education in the schools of Morgan County, Ohio, his parents removing there when he was small. At the age of ten years, he was hired out to a man to work on a farm, and was thus engaged for six months, receiving but $3 per month for his services. In 1843, he came to Pulaski County with his parents, and he now owns the old homestead on which they first settled. He has given most of his attention during life to farming pursuits. He now owns over 2,000 acres of land in this county and 80 acres in Massae County. Most of this he runs himself, and part he rents. In 1871, he built, in connection with other parties, his pres- ent saw-mill, which gives employment to from fifteen to forty men. He owns several build- ings surrounding the mill, which are used as dwelling houses by his employes. He also runs a general store at Oaktown, and also the post office; and is also freight agent of the Wa- bash Railroad at this point. In 1849, he was married to Nancy Kitchel, who died in 1852 the mother of two children, one living-John F., born in 1850. He was married a second time in 1862 to Susan M. Wilson, a daughter of William W. Wilson, of Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Bartleson are the parents of six children, five of whom are living-Wilson W., George A., Mary A., Nancy L. and Hugh B. In June, 1846, our subject and father enlisted in the Second Illinois Infantry, in the Mexican war. The father was afterward elected Lieutenant of the company. He was killed at the battle of Buena Vista. Augustus served out his year of enlistment, and returned home in July, 1847. In 1853, he went to California, and was engaged in mining, etc., until 1857. He is a member of A. F. & A. M., Grand Chain Lodge, No. 660. In 1858, he was elected Sheriff, and served two years. He was re-elected to the same position in 1862, and served a like period .. In politics, he is a Democrat. He has a residence and a

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small fruit farm in Villa Ridge, where he re- sides a part of the year.

ROBERT B. BARTLESON, of Bartleson & Lipe, grocers, New Grand Chain, was born in Stark County, Ohio, March 31, 1829, a twin brother to William. His early schooling was limited. He received what little he did get in Morgan County, his parents removing to that county when he was small. He came with his parents to Pulaski County in 1843, and took up farming for an occupation. In 1852, he made a purchase of land, and up to 1878 he was engaged in farming. At the latter date, he sold out and went to Kansas, returning a year later, and in March, 1880, went into the family grocery business, in which he has since been engaged. In May, 1881, he took in Frank D. Lipe as a partner. In August, 1862, Mr. Bartleson enlisted in the One Hundred and Ninth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, Col. Nimmo. He served a few months in this regiment, in Company K. The remaining eleven companies were arrested at Holly Springs, and while they were under arrest Company K went into the Ninety-ninth Indiana Volunteer Infantry. The company was afterward transferred to the Eleventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry, whose depleted ranks were filled up by many from the old One Hundred and Ninth. They were mustered out in July, 1865. May 9, 1852, sub- ject was married to Eliza A. Youngblood, a daughter of Absalom Youngblood, of Pulaski County. Mr. and Mrs. Bartleson are the par- ents of seven children, six of whom are living -Augustus A., Viola J., Mary E., Missouri M., Robert B. and Harry. Mr. Bartleson is a member of the K. of H., and, with his wife, of the K. & L. of H. In political affairs, he votes for whom he considers the best man. He is the owner of Bartleson's Hall and building, and also a residence and other property in New Grand. Chain.

WILLIAM BARTLESON, farmer, P. O. New Grand Chain, was born in Stark County,

Ohio, March 31, 1829, a twin brother to Rob- ert. He received his first schooling in Morgan County, Ohio, where his parents had removed when he was small. With them he came to what is now Pulaski County, in 1843, and started out for himself some time afterward as a farmer. He was united in marriage in 1851, to Elizabeth Hale, a daughter of Richard and Drusilla (Matthews) Hale. Her mother was akin to the old Matthews families in Mississippi, including Gov. Matthews and others who were prominent in the early history of that State. She died in March, 1882, at the advanced age of eighty-nine years. Mr. and Mrs. Bartleson are the parents of eight children, four of whom survive-Amanda C., Jennie, Cora and Will- iam. In 1857, Mr. Bartleson sold out his prop- erty here and removed to Texas, where he was engaged in farming and general work. He re- turned two years later, but in the spring of 1860 moved to Duquoin, Ill., where he resided for nine years. Here he enlisted in Company A, Eighteenth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, Col. M. K. Lawler. They did heavy fighting at Fort Donelson, and were afterward at Pitts- burg Landing and Vicksburg. At Fort Don- elson he received a slight wound, a ball pass- ing through his right ear from the front, mak- ing a narrow escape for himself: He served out his three years of enlistment, and was mus- tered out at Little Rock, Ark., in July, 1864, and returned to Duquoin. In 1870, he re- moved back to Pulaski County, and purchased his present place, which is situated on the banks of the Ohio River. a stretch of several miles of which is visible from his residence. He be- longs to the A., F. & A. M., and also K. & L. of H. In politics, he votes the Republican ticket.

JAMES BARTLESON, farmer, P. O. New Grand Chain, was born February 2, 1834, in Morgan County, Ohio. He received a little schooling in that county, and coming with his parents to what is now Pulaski County, in

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1843, he attended the schools here and also two winter terms in Vienna, Johnson Co., Ill. In the spring of 1857, he went to Perry County, Ill., and was engaged as a teacher in the schools of that county, and here he was mar- ried October 1, of the same year, to Sarah Steers, a daughter of John and Sally (Tharp) Steers. After his marriage, he taught two win- ter terms east of Duquoin, and then in the fall of 1859 removed to Blairsville, Williamson Co., Ill .. ,where he taught a seven months' term. During the following summer he was engaged in brick-making, and had engaged a school for the next winter, but the civil war was then brewing, and the Republicans and Democrats were becoming somewhat hostile toward each other. The affairs of the Board of School Directors were manipulated Democratically, so to speak, and it was soon discovered that there was no need for any Republican teachers whatever. Mr. Bartleson moved back to Pulaski County, where his services were desired, and he taught for two winter terms. He enlisted in August, 1862, as First Lieutenant in Company I, Eighty-first Illinois Volunteer Infantry, Col. Dolling. They did valuable service throughout the Mississippi campaign, and were mustered out August, 1865. At Vicksburg, he was promoted to the Captaincy of his company, and served two years as such. During the war, he had traded his farm in this county for seventy acres of his present place, which now consists of 190 acres, which are given to general farming. He taught school several terms after his return from the service, and was also in partnership with W. I. Steers, engaged in the mercantile business for a short period in Old Grand Chain. Mr. and Mrs. Bartleson are the parents of nine children, seven of whom are living- John W. and Zylpha, the two oldest, are both deceased, James W., Lnella M., Ida E., George G., Sally M., Frederick A. and Elsie G. Mr. Bartleson is a member of the A., F. & A. M .; K. of H., K. & L. of H., G. T. and G. A. R ..

and with his wife and daughters members of Christian Church. In politics, he is a Repub- lican, and also gives his support to the temper- ance cause. During the winters of 1855-56 and 1856-57, he was engaged in trade, boating on the Mississippi. In the summer of 1853, his brother, A. C., who was with him in New Orleans, took the yellew fever and had nearly succumbed to the disease when they had reached Caledonia, upon their return.

WARREN K. BARTLESON, merchant and miller, New Grand Chain, was born December 20, 1835, in Morgan County, Ohio. He obtained his early education in his native county, and his parents removing to Pulaski County when he was eight years old, he continued his studies here. He was raised on the farm, and has given a large share of his attention to farming, but during his life has been engaged in various occupations. In July, 1861, he en- listed in the First Illinois Cavalry ; but Com- pany H, to which he belonged, was never in the regiment; the latter was captured, and afterward paroled, and by an order of War Department, was mustered out at St. Louis, Mo Mr. Bartleson was among the first federal troops to enter Memphis after its sur- render, and was at the bombardment of Fort Madrid, and entered it the morning after its evacuation. He returned home, and May 10, 1863, was united in marriage to H. Amelia Porter, born March 16, 1846, a daughter of David and Tirzah (Vandeveer) Porter. Mr. and Mrs. Bartleson are the parents of seven children, four of whom are living-Sarah M., born September 8, 1864; Charles W., October 16, 1867 ; Marcus D., August 13, 1870, and John F., July 27, 1872. After the war, Mr. Bartleson engaged in stock-dealing and farm- ing, and shortly afterward went to merchan- dising, which he followed from 1864 to 1870. In 1872, he moved to his present place, and built a fine residence the following year. He owns several hundred acres of land in the pre-

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cinet. He was one of three to lay off New Grand Chain. They built a depot in which he merchandized from 1873 to 1876. In the fall · of 1877, he went to Texas, and for six months 'ran a general store at Hutchings. Upon his return to New Grand Chain, he purchased a half interest in the Pulaski flouring mills, and a few years later became its sole owner. In

the spring of 1883, in company with J. R. Por- ter, his brother-in-law, he purchased the store of J. W. Gaunt, and they have since run it. They carry a general stock, and opposite the store have a warehouse filled with a line of coffins, wagons, etc. Mr. Bartleson is a mem- ber of the A., F. & A. M., Grand Chain Lodge, No. 660, and also the Good Templars, May- flower Lodge, No. 144. He is Democratic in politics.

GEORGE W. BRISTOW, physician, New Grand Chain, is a native of Jackson County, Ind., born July 31, 1833, the eldest son of Will- iam and Malinda (Hays) Bristow. The father was born near Lexington, Ky. He was a con- servative rather than a progressive man. In early life he showed especial aptitude in hand- ling tools, and for many years he labored as a mechanic. He was a man to whom new ideas and new inventions amounted to nothing until their merits had been practically demonstrated, at which times he was prepared to give them a hearty welcome. In later years, he preached the Gospel. He had long been an active mem- ber of the Christian Church, and in that faith he passed away in 1849. He had been mar- ried three times, his first wife being a Miss Lewis, who died about 1828, the mother of three children. His second wife, the mother of our subject, died in 1840. She was the mother of five children, three of whom are living-G. W., F. W. and F. B. His third wife was Phoebe Gibson, widow of Hiram Gibson. She died in 1854, the mother of two children. William died in Paducah, Ky., in 1861, a member of an Illinois Regiment, and Sarah C., the wife of

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History of Alexander, Union and Pulaski Counties, Illinois, Part 118

Author: Perrin, William Henry, d. 1892? Publication date: 1883 Publisher: Chicago, Ill. ; O.L. Baskin & Co. Number of Pages: 948

Author: Perrin, William Henry, d. 1892?
Publication date: 1883
Publisher: Chicago, Ill. ; O.L. Baskin & Co.
Number of Pages: 948