History of Alexander, Union and Pulaski Counties, Illinois, Part 119

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 119
USA > Illinois > Pulaski County > History of Alexander, Union and Pulaski Counties, Illinois > Part 119
USA > Illinois > Alexander County > History of Alexander, Union and Pulaski Counties, Illinois > Part 119

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).

William Maxwell, of Joplin, Mo. The subject of these lines received his early education in the common schools of Perry County, Ill., whence he had gone to live with friends, his mother having died when he was small. - In 1848, he went to St. Clair County, Ill., where he served an apprenticeship to the carpenter's trade, at which he worked about three years. In 1853, he returned to Perry County, and as- sisted in the building of a large freight depot . on the Illinois Central Railroad, and he also taught several terms of school, and also at- tended school himself in the winter. In Feb- ruary, 1857, he was united in matrimony to Mary J. Bartleson, born March 18, 1839, a daughter of John Bartleson, a sketch of whom will be found elsewhere. In 1861, he com- menced the study of medicine under the instruc- tion of J. R. Covington, of Grand Chain, Ill., and shortly afterward engaged in practice, which he has continued to the present time. He gives his attention also to farming. He has a farm of 105 acres, in which he raises sweet potatoes and strawberries in great abun- dance, having a crop of the former this year that exceeds 2,000 bushels. June 6, 1882, his house was burned to the ground, but with his characteristic enterprise, the building of a new residence was commenced at once, and com- pleted the same year. Dr. and Mrs. Bristow are the parents of nine children, five of whom are living-John D., born January 5, 1865 ; George O., October 18, 1866 ; Henry C., Decem- ber 18, 1867 ; James F., November 4, 1869, and Samuel A., November 22, 1871. The Doctor filled the office of Justice of the Peace at Grand Chain, from 1874 to 1877. He is a charter member of the' A., F. & A. M., Grand Chain Lodge, No. 660; was master of Lodge three terms, and delegate to Grand Lodge at Chicago one term. He is also a mem- ber of K. of H. and K. & L. of H., and is medical examiner to the latter body. In pol- itics, he is a Republican.

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GRAND CHAIN PRECINCT.

WILLIAM P. COURTNEY, physician, New Grand Chain, was born October 30, 1821, in Chris- tian County, Ky., and was the eldest child born to John T. and Malinda (Harrison) Courtney, he, a native of Culpepper County, Va., and she of Woodford County, Ky. The father was principally engaged as a merchant in Hopkins- ville, Ky. He was a man who stood high in popular esteem, had filled many offices, and was known as a great collector, being uncom- monly proficient in the latter capacity. He died about 1837. His wife, who was a relative of Gen. Harrison, survived him a long time. She departed from this life in 1876, being about eighty years of age. She was the mother of a large family of children. William P. Court- ney, the subject of this sketch, first went to school in Trigg County, Ky., where his parents had removed when he was about seven years old. He supplemented his early schooling by an attendance at the Hopkinsville Academy, for a period of about nine years. He com- menced the study of medicine at an early age, under the tutorship of Dr. Webber, of Hop- kinsville. This he supplemented by a course of study under Thomas Lindley, M. D., and in 1859, he attended the Ohio Medical College at Cincinnati, since which time he has been con- stantly engaged in practice. Previous to the war, he had been engaged in the mercantile business in Kentucky and Missouri, which re- sulted disastrously. The war itself entailed upon him heavy losses in Southern property, and his only resources at command were his characteristic energy and perseverance, which, however, proved equal to the emergency. In 1860, he had removed to Illinois, and locating in Metropolis, Massac County, he was engaged in practice up to 1869, at which date he came to his present place, which consists of forty acres of land, and a fine residence. He has been married three times, his first wife being Bettie Kelley, who died in July, 1867, the mother of four children, three of whom are living-James

C., Angusta and Irene. His second wife was Mary M. Houston, and his present wife Susan Renner. The Doctor is a member of the A., F & A. M., Grand Chain Lodge, No. 660. Poli- tically, he is a Democrat.

GEORGE W. ELLENWOOD, farmer, P. O. New Grand Chain, was born in Pulaski County, Ill., January 16, 1845. His parents, John D. and Mary E. Ellenwood, both died when he was small. They were natives of East Ten- nessee, and their married life had been blessed with nine children, only two of whom survive -Rebecca and George W. The former married a Mr. Coughman, who died in New Orleans of yellow fever. By him she has two children, G. W. and Charlie. George W., the subject of these lines, obtained what little education the common schools of the county afforded. He chose farming for an occupation, and has al- ways been thus engaged. In July, 1862, he responded to the nation's call for patriots, and cast his lot with the Eleventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry, Col. Coates. He served three years, was through the Vicksburg campaign, etc., and was mustered out in July, 1865, at Springfield. In March, 1867, he wedded Malinda E. Yocum, a daughter of William J. and Mary Ann Yo- cum. This union has been blessed with five children-Florence M., James F., Charlie E., Amine B. and George W. Mr. Ellenwood is a member of the K. of H., and also, with his wife, of the Good Templars and also K. & L. of H. Both are members of the Christian Church. Politically, he is a Republican. He has a farm of fifty acres, which is devoted largely to the raising of sweet potatoes.

JAMES W. ESQUE, farmer, P. O. New Grand Chain, is a native of Pulaski County, Ill., born February 14, 1851, the eldest child of Booker and Eliza S. (Bartleson) Esque. The father died about 1853, and the mother is now the wife of N. P. Tarr, of this precinct. Booker Esque was a tailor by trade, but in late years he gave his attention to farming. There were

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BIOGRAPHICAL:

two children in the family-J. W. and J. E. The former received his education mostly in Duquoin, Ill., where his parents moved when he was about four years old. He returned to this county about 1868, and engaged in farm- ing. In 1879, he purchased eighty acres, which constitutes his present place. He also owns two separators and an engine, with which he does threshing throughout the country. He was married, March 27, 1873, to Martha S. Boyd, a daughter of George W. Boyd, of this county. The union has been blessed with four children, three of whom survive-Ettie, Maud and Ches- ter B. Mr. Esque is a member of the A .. F. & A. M., and also K. of H. In November, 1881, he was elected to a constabulary position to serve a period of four years. He is Democratic in politics. His brother, John E., was educat- ed also in Duquoin, and most of his life has been engaged in clerking. He clerked for his step-father in Duquoin, and afterward was for five years with the wholesale house of C. O. Patier & Co., Cairo. In partnership with H. Winter, he went into the general merchandise business in Carmi, Ill., and was thus engaged two years. He then came to Oakwood, this county, and has since been in the employ of his uncle, A. C. Bartleson. He is a Republican in politics. He married Elizabeth Hilbourn, and has one child living, Rosamond.

EZEKIEL FIELD, farmer, P. O. New Grand Chain, was born in Davis County, Ky., Febru- ary 19, 1840. His parents were natives of the same State. His father, John Field. was a farmer by occupation, and he died in 1853. His wife, Naney (Allen) Field, married a sec- ond time-W. H. Hoskinson, who is living in Tennessee. She died in 1868. Mr. Field's parents had seven children, our subject being the only one living. He received but a meager education, and for several years lived in Ken- tucky and Indiana. He came to Pulaski County with his step-father, and has since resided here. The latter purchased about 200 acres of land,

which Mr. Field afterward bought of him. He now lias about 1,000 acres, part of which he rents. February 19, 1860, he married Malinda B. Metcalf, a daughter of Thomas F. and Jane A. (Graham) Metcalf, and by her has had nine children, six of whom are living-Curtis, Stan- ton E., Lillie, Ishmael, Indiana and Chalmer O. Mr. Field is a member of the A., F. & A. M., Grand Chain Lodge, No. 660, and also K. of H., and K. & L. of H. He votes the Repub- lican ticket.

JOSEPH W. GAUNT, stock and grain dealer, New Grand Chain. The growth and prosperity of a whole country, or even a small hamlet, depend largely, if not altogether, upon the character of the men who make up its population. While nature gives to some local- ities special advantages over others, the gen- ius and enterprise of man ofttimes turns the scales to the advantage of the least favored in this direction. Hence we now see large and prosperous cities throughout our land, which in the days of their infancy were compelled to struggle against the greatest of natural disad- vantages, are now the centers of the trade world. and are connected with points in all directions by rail, water and telegraph. The little village which suddenly springs up in the wilderness, requires the tenderest of care. It has no churches, schools, mills, stores, or any- thing which would kindly say to it, Thou shalt live and prosper. The enterprise and energy of its citizens are loudly called for, and the re- sults of the earnest endeavors of those who re- spond thereto are plainly seen in its near fut- ure. The subject of this sketch, Mr. Joseph W. Gaunt, a portrait of whom will be found elsewhere in this work, is a man whose life has been made up of ambition, industry and perse- verance. The village of New Grand Chain owes two-thirds of her present buildings to his enterprising efforts in her behalf, and he has otherwise contributed largely to her success and material growth. He is a Kentuckian by

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GRAND CHAIN PRECINCT.

birth, Hopkins County, that State, being his native county. He was born May 23, 1827, to Thomas and Maria (Mott) Gaunt, both of whom were natives of Virginia. They had been raised together as children, one's father having married the other's mother. Thomas Gaunt was a carpenter by trade, but in after years was engaged in agricultural pursuits. He died in 1847. He participated in the battle of New Orleans, under Jackson. His wife had died some years previously. Their married life had been blessed with ten children, five of whom yet survive-John M., Joseph W., Christopher, Ambrose G. and R. M. Our subject obtained some schooling in his native county, and his parents, when he was young, removing to Pu- laski County, Ill., permitted him to attend the schools here for some time. He chose farm- ing for an occupation in carly life, and was thus engaged for several years. Boating upon the river afterward claimed his attention for about six years, and about 1861, he went to merchandising in Old Grand Chain, and was in the business for some time. He took in his brother as a partner and the business was con- tinned, until a disastrous fire swept away everything in 1865. Having no insurance, they sustained a total loss. They built another store, however, and the business was continued by them until their disposal of it shortly afterward to Bartleson & Steers, when our subject retired from active business for awhile. When the railroad was built, he came to New Grand Chain and erected a large store, and also shortly afterward a fine residence. He re-engaged in merchandising and continued it until March, 1883, at which date he sold out to Bartleson & Porter, since which he has been interested in various enterprises, and at present gives his attention to stock and wheat, which he buys for the market. He also owns several pieces of land, in all about 285 acres. He was first married to Caroline Hall, who bore him five children, two of whom are living-Maria

and Geogianna. The former married R. B. Brown, and the latter T. E. Berry. His second marriage was with Margaret Ray, widow of Calvin Ray, of Kentucky. His third marriage was with Addie Copeland. This union has been blessed with three children, two of whom are living-Fred and Joseph. Mr. Gaunt is a member of the K. of H., and also the Good Templars. Politically, he is a Democrat.

AMBROSE G. GAUNT, farmer, P. O. New Grand Chain, was born in Hopkins County, Ky., June 13, 1834, a son of Thomas and Maria (Mott) Gaunt (see sketch of Joseph W. Gaunt elsewhere). He obtained his early schooling in Pulaski County, his parents re- moving here when he was small. At the age of about twelve years, he went to Iowa, and for four or five years was engaged in farming in Delaware County, that State. He returned to Pulaski County, and has since resided here. His farmn consists of 106} acres, which are given to farming in its various branches. He was married, May 20, 1855, to Sarah H. Youngblood, a daughter of Absalom and Fannie (Hall) Youngblood. Mr. and Mrs. Gaunt are the parents of seven children, six of whom are liv- ing-W. A., Thomas C., Charlie, Margaret E., Robbie and Seth F. Mr. Gaunt is a member of the K. of H., and, with his wife, of the Christian Church. He has been a Republican in politics since the war. His oldest son, W. A., was elected Justice of the Peace in November, 1881, to serve four years. He married Maggie Fel- lenstein, and has one child-Callie.

JOHN W. GAUNT, farmer, P. O. New Grand Chain, was born in Pulaski County, Ill., September 24, 1850. His parents, James M. and Mary A. (Steers) Gaunt, were both natives of Kentucky. The father was a son of Thomas Gaunt, who came from Virginia. He was a carpenter by trade, and afterward engaged in merchandising and farming. At different times he run general stores at Old Grand Chain, for several years. He burned out in April, 1865.

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He died at the age of fifty-four years, October 21, 1875. He was in the Mexican war, and was a Christian man, universally esteemed by all who knew him. His wife is still living, and resides with our subject. She is the mother of seven children, five of whom survive-Sarah J., John W., Annie M., Mary M. and James H. The early schooling of our subject was ob- tained in the common schools of this county. He afterward attended the Southern Illinois College at Carbondale, Ill., and in the winter of 1870-71, took a business course at the Evansville Commercial College, Indiana. In his early life he assisted his father in merchan- dising and farming, and at the latter's death he took charge of the home place, which now consists of ninety-seven acres, which is given to general farming. In politics, Mr. Gaunt is a Republican.

NATHAN D. KISNER, engineer, New Grand Chain, was born in Marion County, W. Va., July 3, 1851, the eldest child of William and Nancy J. (Williams) Kisner, both natives of the same State. William Kisner was a tiller of the soil, and he departed this life in 1861. His wife, who since his death has been married twice, is still living in the county. The parents had three children-N. D., Mary C. and George W. When he was about two years old, our subject's parents removed to Posey County, Ind., and here he first went to school, but ob- tained his education mostly in White County, Ill., where they went in 1858. At sixteen years of age he went to Evansville, Ind., and served a four years' apprenticeship at the machinist trade under W. M. Hileman. He afterward worked for about four years at his trade in West Tennessee. He removed to Pulaski County, Ill., and went to farming, purchased fifty acres of land, which he still owns, in Ohio Precinct, which is now operated by his brother, George W. Mr. Kisner came to New Grand Chain, and January 1, 1883, took charge of the engine and machinery of Bartleson's

flouring mill at this place, which position he still fills. March 24, 1874, he married Nancy E. McAllister, a daughter of James Y. and Amanda McAllister. Five children have blessed this union, four of whom are living-Cora, Leona, Gusty E. and James E. Mr. Kisner is a member of the A., F. & A. M., Grand Chain Lodge, No. 660. Politically, he is a Democrat.

FRANK D. LIPE (Bartleson & Lipe, gro- cers), New Grand Chain, is a native of Hawkins County, Tenn., born January 27, 1837, a son of William E. and Francis (Bishop) Lipe. The father was a farmer. He died in 1856, aged fifty-five years. His wife survived him until 1862, when she passed away at the age of about fifty years. The parents were blessed with a large family, only three of whom are living-Eliza, Rufus and Frank D. The only education the latter received in early life was picked up by himself. For many years up to the time of the war, he was engaged in flat- boating on the Mississippi. In August, 1861, he enlisted in the service, and the following year was mustered into Stewart's Battalion, and a year later, into the Fifteenth Illinois Cav- alry. They were at Shiloh, Corinth, etc., and did valuable service in Tennessee. Mr. Lipe was mus- tered out at Springfield in October, 1864. He was married, in 1866, to Nancy A. McGee a daughter of Hugh McGee, of this county. He has a farm of eighty acres, which is given to general farming. In May, 1881, he entered into partnership with R. B. Bartleson, and they carry a general line of family groceries. Mr. Lipe is a member of the A., F. & A. M., K. of H., K. &. L. of H. and G. A. R. He is a Republican in politics.

JUDGE HUGH McGEE, farmer, P. O. New Grand Chain, was born July 26, 1817, in Chris- tian County, Ky., the eldest child of Benjamin and Nancy (Armstrong) McGee. The father was a native of Sumner County, Tenn., and was a farmer by occupation. He was a man who was held high in popular favor, and he was elected one of the first County Commissioners

GRAND CHAIN PRECINCT.

of the county. He had served several years as Justice of the Peace in Kentucky, and alto- gether he was an uncommon man, one who took active interest in local affairs and enter- prises calculated for the public good. He was born June 24, 1794, and died about 1849. His wife was born December 6, 1800, and died in 1852. Thirteen children blessed their wedded life, only three of whom survive-Hugh, F. M. and A. W. Our subject's early schooling was attained in the schools of his native county, and his parents, removing to Graves County, same State, when he was about ten years old, he attended school a little there. He gave his attention to farming from the first, and has always been thus engaged. He came to what is now Pulaski County in December, 1837, and made preparation for the reception of his par- ents, who followed him a couple of months later. In 1842, Mr. McGee purchased forty acres where he now resides, and he has now 160 acres, which are given to general farming. He has bought and sold several pieces of land during his residence in this county. His house burned to the ground on the morning of Sep- tember 18, 1881, and the inmates barely es- caped with their lives. The savings of many years were devoured by the fire fiend in a few moments. He finished a new residence in the fall of 1882. In 1862, he was elected to the position of Associate Judge of Pulaski County, and served three years with Judge Hoffner as other associate. He was re-elected to the same position in 1873, and served four years. Away back in 1844, he was elected to fill the office of Justice of the Peace, and with the exception of a period of four years, he served continuously up to the election in November, 1881. He has also filled many minor offices. He was first married to Sarah Ward, who died in 1846, the mother of three children, two of whom are liv- ing-James H. and Nancy A. His second wife was Harriet E. Metcalf. She died in 1864, and was the mother of seven children, three of

whom are living-Ann E., Hester M. and Sa- rah E .. all of whom are married. He wedded his present wife Amanda, May 7, 1865. She is the daughter of Robert and Isabel (Mc- Quaid) Elliott. Two children have blessed this union, Hugh L. and Nellie. Mr. McGee is a member of the A., F. & A. M., Grand Chain Lodge, No. 660. Politically, he is a Repub- lican.

JAMES A. METCALF, farmer and Gov- ern ment light-keeper, P. O. New Grand Chain, is a native of Calloway County, Ky., born December 19, 1833, the eldest child of Thomas F. and Jane A. (Graham) Metcalf, both of whom were natives of the same State. The father was a tiller of the soil, and he died in 1869. His wife survived him until July, 1882. The married life of the old couple was blessed with a family of ten children, three of whom are living-James A., Robert E. and Ma- linda B. Our subject got a little carly school- ing in his native county, and in his younger days he assisted his father on the home farm. He came to Pulaski County, Ill., in 1852, and remained until 1867, engaged in carpentering and farming. At the latter date, he moved to Lyon County, Ky., and lived here until the spring of 1870, engaged in elerking. He moved to Crittenden County, Ky., at the latter date, and here farmed until returning to Pulaski County in the spring of 1883. He has a farm of fifty-five acres on the river front, right below which is Renard's Landing, and at this point he has charge of the Government lights. July 2, 1862, he married Nancy J. Gray, a daughter of Nathan O. and Minerva B. (Holeman) Gray. Mr. and Mrs. Metcalf are the parents of nine children, six of whom are living-John F .. Nathan G., Otho M., Nancy E., Joseph O. and Myrtie. Mr. and Mrs. Metcalf are members of the Universalist Church, and in polities he is a Greenbacker.

ROBERT E. METCALF, farmer, P. O. New Grand Chain, was born in Calloway County,

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October 23, 1849, a son of Thomas F. and Jane A. (Graham) Metcalf (see sketch of J. A. Metcalf elsewhere). Robert came to Pulaski County with his parents in 1852, and here re- ceived his early education. He took up farm- ing for an occupation, and has always been thus engaged. His present farin consists of 160 acres, which is given to farming in its various branches. He is also the proprietor of a port- able saw-mill, which he intends to move around and do custom work in this line. He was mar- ried in 1872 to Elizabeth A. Ranney, a daugh- ter of William Ranney (deceased). This union has been blessed with one child-William W., born in 1875. Mr. Metcalf is a member of the A .. F. & A. M., Grand Chain Lodge, No. 660, and also K. of H. In November, 1881, he was elected to the office of Justice of the Peace, to serve four years. Politically, he is a Democrat.

RICHARD MOORE, farmer, P. O. New Grand Chain, is a native of Lake County, Ohio, born in 1835, a son of Robert and Fannie (Dear- born) Moore, both natives of New Hampshire. The father was a cooper by trade, and he died about 1840. His wife survived him until 1879, when she passed away at the age of seventy- six years. Thirteen children blessed the wed= ded life of the old folks, five of whom are liv- ing-George, Jane, Matilda, Samuel and Rich- ard. When the latter was about four years old, his parents moved to Pulaski County, and here obtained what education the schools of this county afforded, having to go five miles to the schoolhouse, which was a rude, primitive structure. Before the war broke out he was engaged at flat-boating on the Mississippi, do- ing the piloting most of the time. In August, 1861, he enlisted in the Thirty-first Illinois Volunteer Infantry, Col. John A. Logan. They participated in the siege of Vicksburg, and other engagements in the lower country, and was mustered out at Atlanta, Ga., in 1865. He returned home, and in June, 1866, he was mar- ried to Mary J. Hughes. The union was blessed

with nine children, eight of whom are living- Fannie, James H., Gibson H., Andrew, Hiram, Robert and Henry (twins), and Flora. In 1866, Mr. Moore purchased eighty acres of land, which subsequent additions have increased to 300 acres. He engages in farming in the vari- ous branches. He gives a great deal of atten- tion to stock dealing and raising. He is a mem- ber of the A., F. & A. M., Grand Chain Lodge, No. 660, and also K. of H. Politically, he is a Democrat.

JOHN S. SMITH, farmer, P. O. New Grand Chain. "Uncle Johnny Smith," as his numerous friends familiarly call him, is one of those good old souls that are a blessing to the whole country. He is really a native of Pulaski County, having first beheld the light of day at Big Spring or what was otherwise called the " Dicky Brown place," near where Wetaug is now located. At the time of his birth, the country was Alexander and Johnson Counties, and his birthplace was within the boundaries of the former. He was born April 18, 1819, to William and Annie (Tellus) Smith, he a native of North Carolina, and she of Ten- nessee. The father was a natural mechanic, and about 1831 he was employed as ship-car- penter on Ohio River boats. He was engaged in farming pursuits in later years. He was a son of John C. Smith, of North Carolina, who served in the Revolutionary war. For a period of three or four years during his life, John C. was engaged in piloting boats from old Fort Wilkinsonville to the Chalk Banks, a distance of about seven miles down the Ohio River, which at the point mentioned was seri- ously obstructed by rapids, rocks, etc., which only a skilled pilot could get a boat through. He was at one time very wealthy, owning 320 acres of land in Hopkinsville, Ky., and the city now stands on his land. Hearing that Illinois was a veritable paradise, he sold out and, coming to old Fort Wilkinsonville, he invested his all in horses, intending to raise them to

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History of Alexander, Union and Pulaski Counties, Illinois, Part 119

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