History of Crawford and Clark counties, Illinois, Part 77

Author: Perrin, William Henry, d. 1892?
Publication date: 1883
Publisher: Chicago : O.L. Baskin & Co.
Number of Pages: 826

USA > Illinois > Clark County > History of Crawford and Clark counties, Illinois > Part 77
USA > Illinois > Crawford County > History of Crawford and Clark counties, Illinois > Part 77

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).

1879. Benjamin F. enlisted _August 5. 1861, in Company B, Second Illinois, Battery B, and served out three years and re-enlisted in Ilan- cock's corps, and served one year in the corps, making four years of solid service, and during his four years of service he was never absent from his command except five days, when he was taken with the measles. He served as a private, and was never wounded, but did his duty faithfully and well. The Shoemaker family were well represented in the, late war. The father, Jesse, and four of his sons wore the blue-Washington P., Benjamin F., Will- iam H. and John D .; two of the number lost their lives in the service. Benjamin F., upon his return from the war, came home on the farm, where he has since lived; he has 100 acres, and is engaged in farming and stock-raising. Oc- tober 31, 1869, he married Beulah, born De- cember 25, 1844, in this township, second daughter of Tamar Finney, one of the old set- tlers in this township. He has one child-Ora Pearl, born July 28, 1881; Anna, died Novem- ber 18, 1881, aged six years and four months.

J. S. SLUSSER, farmer, P. O. Oak Point. This gentleman was born September 16, 1812, in Adams County, Penn., and emigrated to Stark County, Ohio, with his parents, when two years of age. His father's name was Henry Slusser, a Pennsylvanian, son of Philip Slusser, a native of Germany. Our subject's mother was a Slusser also; her name was Mary, danghter of John Slusser. Henry Slusser set- tled near Canton, in Stark County, where he en- tered his land; remained here until his death, which occurred about the year 1822. His wife survived and was afterward married to another man, David First, and afterward moved to In- diana and died there in 1856, in Huntington County. He raised four children-Jolin S., Elizabeth, Christiana and Frederick ; all lived to be grown, and raised families. John S. lived with his mother and with his uncles until he was fifteen years old, when he went with his

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step-father and with him learned the brick- maker's trade, remaining with him three years, after which he went for himself and hired men and contracted. He has been thrice married, first in 1834, to Nancy Montgomery, daughter of John and Sarah Montgomery,a native of Penn- sylvania. In the fall of 1842, he and wife with four children came with a wagon to this coun- ty. He had but $200, and bought 160 acres at $2, paying one-half down, in Section 28, northwest quarter. Here he built him a cabin and en- gaged in improving the land, and for several years had a hard time and endured the hard- ships incident to the settlement of a new coun- try. He lived in the log house until 1856, when he built the house he now lives in. The first floor was hewed puncheons and the door of elapboards. He has now 360 acres. His first wife died February 7, 1847. By her he bad four children-Catherine, Francisco, James A. and Thomas J. Catherine resides in this township, the wife of William F. Shadley; Francesca, wife of Dennis Foster, of this town- ship ; James A. volunteered in 1861, in Com- pany F, Fifty-ninth Regiment Volunteer Infan- try, went into the army and never returned, died of chronic diarrhoea ; Thomas J. resides in this township. He served in the army, was wounded and is now a pensioner. He married the second time, June, 1847, Mary Schofield ; she died January 28, 1868. She left seven children-John, Morris, Oscar, Charlie, Jane, Alice and Cecelia. All live in this county ex- cept Cecelia, who resides in Jasper County. November 3, 1870, he married his third wife, Mrs. Rachel Ream, born in Lancaster County, Penn., July 24, 1832, daughter of Abram Wit- wer and Elizabeth Sour. No children by the last marriage. In 1833, he cast his first vote for Jackson ; after then was a Whig, sinee Re- publican. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

J. E. SLUSSER, farmer, P. O. Oak Point. This gentleman came of Old Pennsylvania

stock, but was born in Ohio, and first behekl the light of day March 2, 1831, in Ogdensburg Township, Stark County. His father, David Slusser, was born May 30, 1808, in Pennsyl vania, a son of John SInsser, who served in the Revolutionary war. The mother of our sub- jeet was Sarah Emich, who was born Septem- ber 5, 1808, in the Keystone State. The chil- dren born to David Slusser and wife were Zachariah, Jeremiah, Uriah, Josiah, Mary A .. Benjamin F., David M., Ann M., Harriet ()., Sarah C., Lney B. and Ezra, all of whom grew to man and womanhood. Jeremiah E., the subject of these lines, had but limited school advantages. His early boyhood was spent working on the farm with his father, and upon attaining his majority he began for himself and worked out by the month at such wages as he could obtain. September 21, 1854, he married Elizabeth Sell, a native of Stark Coun- ty, where she was born, June 1, 1820, daughter of John Sell and Kate Shired, early settlers in Stark County, Mrs. Slusser being the eighth child of the family. In the spring of 1857, he resolved to better his condition, and according- ly emigrated to this State and first purchased eighty acres of land two miles south of Mar- shall in this county, but kept this a short time, selling it at an advance, and came to this town- ship and purchased eighty acres in Section 33, upon which he settled and began improving the same. In 1865, he sold to William F. Shadley, and purchased 120 acres of unimproved land in the southwest quarter of Section 29, costing about $13 per acre. He has since resided here, and by hard work and rigid economy he has acquired for himself a good home. For sever- al years he ran a threshing machine and at the same time condueting his farm successfully. Mr. Slusser had three brothers-Uriah, David M. and Benjamin F .- who served in the late war. Uriah served in the Seventy-first, and was found dead at his post while on picket dnty. David M. and Benjamin F. served in

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the Fifty-ninth Regiment. David M. served in all the battles with his regiment and died at Springfield, before reaching home ; Benjamin F. was the only one that came home alive. Living in this county are J. E., Ezra and Celes- tia, the latter the wife of Wesley Kitchen, of Marshall. Josiah resides in Cumberland Conn- ty with his father, who came here in 1859. Mr. Slusser has three children -Martha. Clara L. and Simon. Martha resides in Elk County, Kan., wife of Isaac Smith. Simon L. married, December 17, 1882, Martha, daughter of Felix Chesher, of this township. Our subject was raised in the German Reformed Church. Re- publican.

THOMAS J. SLUSSER. farmer, P. O. Oak Point, is the eldest son living of John S. Slusser. He was born April 19. 1842. in Stark County. Ohio, and removed to this township with his parents when a babe. He has since been a resident of the township. Ile was brought up on his father's farm. where he lived until he was about twenty-six years of age. He had common school advantages and assisted his father on the farm. In August, 1861, he was among the number who went ont in re- sponse to the National call, and enlisted for three years in Company F, Fifty-ninth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and served until September. 1863, when he was discharged on account of wounds received at the battle of Stone River, in December. 1862. He was in the battle of Pea Ridge, Ark., and Perryville. His wound was in the left, thigh, with piece of shell, and he was also shot in the left shoulder, with minie ball, and now draws a pension from the Government. Upon his discharge, he returned home to his father's, where he remained until marriage, which was November 28, 1867, to Rebecca, born in Orange Township, this county, January 26, 1848, the fourth daughter of Thomas L. Baker and Lucy Fancher, who were early settlers in this county, from Ohio. The same year Mr. Slusser was married, he located

on the farm he now owns, having 120 acres. He has three children-Evert, Frederick and Gracie G. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is Steward of the Church. Politics, Republican.

S. S. SWIM, farmer, P. O. Casey, was born November 15, 1833, in Licking County, Ohio. He is the third son of Isaac Swim and Mary Ann Oller. Ile was born in Jannary. 1803, in Pennsylvania. son of James Swim. The Swim family are of Irish and German stock. Isaac Swim came West to Ohio with his father when a young man, and here married Miss Oller, and engaged in farming. where he remained several years, and then removed to Wayne County. Ind .. remaining here six years, and in the fall of 1844 he removed with his family to Clark County. locating in this township, on Section 18. He died October, 1878. His wife yet sur- vives him. There were eight children raised- Alpheus, Vincent, S. S .. Mary, Margaret, Eliza- beth. Lucy J. and William H. Alpheus, Mary and Margaret are deceased ; the others are liv- ing in this township, except Elizabeth, who re- sides in Cumberland County. Sylvanus was about eleven years of age when he came here with his parents. remaining with them until twenty-two years of age. His father becoming embarrassed. S. S. was thrown upon his own resources. He hired out by the month. He worked twenty-two months for John C. Dur- ham, at $10 per month, and continued on until he was enabled to make a start in farming, when he rented land some seven years, and in 1864 he purchased sixty acres where he now lives, costing §20 per acre. and has since added to same until he now has 176 acres. In Janu- ary. 1857, he was first married to Mary Mum- ford, born in Ohio, daughter of Levi Mumford. who came to this county-an early settler. His wife died May 29, 1878, leaving no issue. His last marriage was to Martha J. List, born in Montgomery County, Ind., daughter of William and Hannah (Aten) List. The family came to

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this State in 1856 He has two children. Syl- vanius Sylvester and Myrtie M. Liberal in politics ; lately Greenbacker. His father and mother were members of the Christian Church. Mr. Swim had one brother, Alpheus, who was a soldier in the Fifty-fourth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, Company G, and was killed at Charles- ton, this State, in a raid there. He had two children-Taylor and Elizabeth.

G. W. WILEY, farmer, P. O. This Casey. gentleman ranks among the thrifty and enter- prising farmers of Johnson Township ; he was born 1838, November 29, in Decatur County, Ind. His parents were Thomas Wiley and Ester Critzer ; Thomas Wiley was born 1816. Decem- ber 10, in Gnilford County. N. C. His ances- tors were of English descent. Thomas Wiley came to Indiana when a young man, and was married in Decatur County. to Esther, daughter of Henry Critzer, who served in the war of 1812. Thomas, after marriage, settled in Decatur and engaged in farming, and remained here until the fall of 1850, when came to this county and lived two years in this (Johnson) Township, and then located on land in Casey Township, which he had entered. and lived here until his death, December 13, 1864. His wife died January 19, same year. They raised a family of eight children, six of whom are living -George W., Sarah J., Frances M., Nancy M., Mary A. and Josephine. George W. is the eldest of the number, and the only one now living in this county. He came to this conuty with his parents in 1850, and began on his own account at the age of fifteen. but made his father's house his home until he was twenty- two years of age, when he volunteered his serv- ices in the defense of his country, enlisting July, 1861, in Company B, Second Illinois Light Artillery, known as Madison Battery, and served until September 2, 1864; during this time, he participated in the battles of Pittsburg Landing and Corinth, and came ont unscathed ; upon his return from the service he came to this

county and engaged in farming on rented land. Was married, January 14, 1865, to Susan, born in Clark County. Martinsville Township. April, 1843. daughter of Levi and Mary Mumford, both natives of Ohio, and came to this county quite early. He purchased the farm he now owns in 1872, first bought 40 acres, and has since added to the first purchase until he has now 160 here, and 80 of timber -- 240 in all. He began when his resources were noth- ing, and has made what he has by his own in- dustry. Has nine children-John. Mary. Thomas, Arthur, Hettie. Jane. George, Robert, and Susan. Democratic ; was elected Super- visor in spring of 1882. member of A., F. & A. M .. Casey Lodge, No. 442.

WILLIAM W. WILLISON, farmer, P. O. Bell Air. The Willison family have been iden- tified with Clark County since 1841. His father, Elias Willison. was a Virginian. and was born December 29, 1788, son of Elisha Willison, of English stock. Elias removed to Ohio when a young man, where he married Phehe Vail. in Lieking County ; she was born April 24, 1796. in Pennsylvania. Mr. Elias Willison was a farmer by occupation, and after his marriage located in Lieking County. Ohio, where he lived until 1837. when he moved with his family to Indiana and settled ten miles from Terre Haute, where he lived until 1841. when he came to this county and located in the spring of 1841; he (Elias) purchased 80 acres in Orange Township, locating on the same March 17, and remained there until his death, which occurred August 19, 1845 ; his wife survived him until July 29. 1848. They raised to ma- turity the following children, viz .: Sallie, Silas. Clarissa, John, Aaron. William W .. Harvey and Leroy. Leroy and Harvey served as soldiers in the late war ; Aaron afterward died at Indian- apolis from the effects of exposure and disease contracted while in the army; our subject, William W., was born November 16, 1824, in Licking County, Ohio. and came to this State

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with his parents and remained with them until his marriage, which occurred November 1, 1853, to Sarah, who was born in Lebanon County, Penn., April 7, 1833 ; her parents were Valentine Dehl and Catherine Daup, who came here in 1842. Mr. Willison has no children ; after his marriage, he located on the farm he

now owns, and has since been identified with the township. In 1850, prior to his marriage, he went the overland route to California, where he was for three years, and during this time was engaged in mining. In 1868, he was elected Justice of the Peace and served two terms. He is a Democrat. Has 140 acres.

PARKER TOWNSHIP.

WILLIAM BARBEE, farmer, P. O. Mar- tinsville, was born in this county, in West- field Township, June 27, 1833, the eldest son of John Barbee and Sallie Lago. John Barbee came from Shelby County, Ky., and removed with his brothers to Crawford County, this State. He was the youngest of a large family. He was married in Crawford County and removed to this State in 1831, locating in Westfield, on Section 27, and re- mained here until his death. He raised a family of ten children, five living, and all residents of the county, William being the only one in the township; he left home be- fore coming of age. Worked at low wages by the day and month, and has worked for 25 cents per day and for $6 per month. Was married, April 24, 1863, to Sallie Robin- son in this township, daughter of L. D. Rob. inson and Elizabeth Connelly. Mr. Barbee has been a resident of the township since his marriage. Has six children-Leven A., John W., Priscilla, Aberilla, Andrew and Patsey. He is a Democrat and a member of A., F. & A. M., and R. A. Chapter, No. 125. Has 340 acres of land.

JOHN B. BRISCOE, farmer, P. O. West- field, is among the old settlers, and one of the representative men of the county. He was born July 28, 1817. in Jefferson County, Ky., and removed to this State and arrived

| here in this county, landing in Westfield Township November 11, 1835. His father was Henry Briscoe, who was born in Febru- rary, 1762, in Queen Anne County, Md., and was a soldier in the Revolution, and was present at the surrender of Lord Cornwallis. His parents were Philip Briscoe, whose wife was a Foster, and bore him nine children, seven sons and two daughters, viz., William, Robert, George, Premmenus, Walter, Philip, Henry, Katie and Sarah. William settled in Madi- son County, Ky., Robert in Bullitt County, George in what is now Hopkins County, Prem- menns settled in Bourbon County, Walter in Mason County, Ky. The father of the above came to Kentucky at a very early day, but never settled, being of a rambling turn of mind, and died in Maryland, near Port Tobacco. His sons went out to Kentucky subsequently, and settled there from 1770 to 1799. Philip never came West to locate. Katie married James Summerhill, and located in Jefferson County, Ky., and there died at an old age. She raised one son, Robert, who died on the same farm at an advanced age. Mary settled in Maryland. She married a man named Swan, and by him raised a large family, all of whom settled there except Philip Swan, who removed to Jefferson County, Ky., and there died, and raised a family of several children. Henry Briscoe, the father of our

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subject, was twice married; first, to a Miss Lattimore, daughter of Judge Lattimore, of a prominent family in Maryland. After his marriage, he removed to Jefferson County, Ky., in 1799, and engaged in farming. His wife died on the route where Cincinnati now stands, He came from Red Stone, now Pittsburgh, on a boat to Louisville, and settled on the headwaters of Bear Grass Creek. By his first wife he had a large family, all of whom settled in that county except Nancy, who married Burk Jones and settled in Clark County, Ind., and raised a family of chil- dren of sons and daughters. Henry Briscoe, in 1803, married Catharine Brookhart, who was born near Boonesboro, Va., daughter of Jacob Brookhart and Catharine Keller, both families of German extraction. Jacob Brookhart was a Virginian, and removed to Kentucky, landing in Jefferson County Jan- uary 1, 1500, and died there. He raised a family of sons and daughters, all now de- ceased. Henry Briscoe, the father of our subject, emigrated from Jefferson County, Ky., in fall of 1835, landing in what is now Westfield Township, October 16, same year, and located on 120 acres his wife entered, which is situated on the east half of the north- west quarter of Section 28. Here the parents died and were buried on the farm, Henry Briscoe died in October, 1838; his wife died September, 1836. They raised a family of eleven children, viz., Joseph, Sophia, Robert,

Jacob, Rhoda, Hester, John B., Walter, Lydia, William T. and Allen B., all of whom lived to be married and raised families, and settled in Westfield Township. Joseph set- tled in Section 28; Sophia was twice ,mar- ried; first, to Joseph Brookhart, and second, to William Barker, and is now the relict of the last husband, and resides on Section 33; Robert settled in Westfield Township: Jacob settled in Jefferson County, Ky., and raised

a family there; Rhoda married William M. Swan and settled in Westfield Township. and raised a family there, and finally removed to Sanders County, Neb., and there died ; Hester married Hilton P'. Redman, and settled in Parker and raised a family and died there; Walter settled near the homestead in l'arker; Lydia became the wife of Andrew Lee and settled in Parker Township, now resident of Casey ; William T. settled in Parker first. and now resides in Westfield; he too, raised a family ; Allen B. resides in Marshall, and has served twenty- four years as Connty Clerk consecutively. John B , the subject of these lines, was raised to farming pursuits, and was married on February 27, 1845, in Floyd County. Ind., to Eliza Ann, who was born in Floyd County. Ind., January 24, 1826, the eldest daughter of Daniel Keller and Zer- niah Starr. Both were Virginians, and re- moved to Kentucky with their parents when young, and removed to Indiana and there settled in New Albany about 1823. They raised a family of six children, viz., William, Eliza, Lewis, Rosana. Margaret, Barbara. But two of the above are in this connty-

Mrs. J. B. Briscoe, and Rosana, wife of W.

T. Briscoe, of Westfield. Mr. Briscoe was twenty-eight years of age when he married, and began for himself, having nothing left him by his parents, and early in life learned to depend upon his own resources He worked out by the month, and bought the place in 1847, and located here on Sec- tion 5, northwest quarter, and since has resided here. He began stock trading in 1842, and for ten years he was actively en- gaged in this business. He drove the first drove of cattle that went out of the county;

drove same to Milwaukee, Wis. His opera- tions were confined from here to Chicago and the lakes. Four years of his early life were spent on the river as a roustabont, running

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from Darwin to New Orleans. He began in 1837. first trip. Up to 1852, he continued droving from 1842, and since 1852, he has given his attention to farming, and traded considerably. He has 300 acres. He was one of the leading men in getting the D. & O. R. R., and was prominently identified with the interests of the township and county. He has been affiliated with the Democrat party and has been an active worker. Served two years as Sheriff ; elected in November, 1858. He was one of the three Commis- sioners that laid off the county into town- ships. He has had eight children, four now living, two sons and two daughters-Keller, Walter, Zerniah and Annie.

WILLIAM M. CONNELY, farmer and stock-raiser, P. O. Westfield, is one of the oldest residents of the township, having been identified with its interest since the fall of 1832. He was born February 7, 1822, in Lawrence County, Ind., and is the third son of Josiah Connely, a native of Ashe County, N. C., whose father, John Connely, came from Ireland to North Carolina, and raised a family of several children, six sons and three daughters. The sons were William, John, Elijah, Josiah, Edmond and Joel, all of whom, with the daughter, were raised in North Carolina; Josiah removed to Indiana at an early day, locating in Lawrence, and entered land here; he was three times married, first to Sallie Miller, who bore him three children -Josiah, Demiah and Sallie. all now de- ceased. His second wife was Sallie E. Ter- rill; by her he had the following: Nancy, Joel A., Elizabeth, William M., Josiah, Tim - othy H., Temperance and Judah. Of this number is our subject, William M., who was a mere lad when he came to the county with his parents. His father was one of the pio. neers of the township, and in early life our subject was inured to farm labor, and before

coming to his majority he formed a matri- monial alliance with Sallie Robinson, who was born in Edgar County in 1825, and was a daughter of Richard and Sallie Robinson: she died in 1852, having borne him five chil- dren-Elizabeth, Edmond R., Sallie, Emily and Nancy; Elizabeth married William Rush; Sallie, I. N. Bean; Emily, John F. Barbee; Nancy, Benjamin F. Perry, all of whom re- side in this township. Shortly after his marriage, he moved on the place he now owns, Section 3, locating on land his father had entered. He was married, in 1855, to Lydia Hammond, who was born August 22, 1834, a daughter of Alanson Hammond. By last marriage five children were born-Amanda. Lydia, Josiah, Alanson and Franeis. Mr. Connely has given his attention to farming pursuits, having been successful in his busi- ness. He has made several trips to Cali- fornia, first in 1849, going with an ox team which required six months to make the trip, returning in 1851. In 1859, he went out to Pike's Peak, and was one of the delegates that assisted in organizing the Territory. In 1864, he organized a company of men and went to Idaho and California, and in 1867 made another trip to Pike's Peak, this time took five men. Mr. Connely has farmed quite largely, and has opened up seven farms on this prairie. He had 1200 acres of land be- fore making any division. Has now over 600 acres. In politics, he is Democratic, and is a member of the Masonic fraternity. being affiliated with Westfield Lodge.

I. P. DAUGHHETEE, deceased, was one of the oldest settlers in the township, coming here about the year 1820. He was born in Kentucky June 8, 1799, son of John Daugh- hetee, a native of West Virginia, and after- ward removed to Kentucky and there settled. Our subject's mother's maiden name was Su- san Parker. Isaac P. was a farmer by occu-

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pation, and came to this State about the time of the admission of the State, and entered land in Edgar County, remaining here sev- eral years, when he sold out and removed to Section 3, where he entered about 300 acres of land; received the patent during Jackson's administration. He lived here until his death, which occurred August 27, 1854, in his fifty-fifth year. He leaves a wife and five children. He was married in September, 1842, to Sidney Ann Wayne, who was born in Clark County, Ky., June 9, 1809, daughter of Benjamin Wayne and Nancy Tankesty, both Virginians. Mr. Daughhetee had six children by Sidney Ann-Rachel, Sidney Ann, Isaac P., Katie, Nathaniel P., Lafayette, the latter deceased, others living. Rachael, wife of George Wilson, of Martinsville; Sidney A. in this county, wife of Sylvester Stevenson; Isaac P. in Dolson Township; Catharine K., wife of Charles Kaney in Westfield Township; Na- thaniel I'., on the homestead; Lafayette died in 1876, aged twenty-four years. Mr. Daughhetee was a Democrat, and one of the leading men of his party, though he never aspired for office. For many years he was a member of the Regular Baptist Church, having joined this denomination when nineteen years of age, and up to the time of his death took a very active part in promoting the interests of his church. Succeeding him on the home- stead is Nathaniel P., who was born on this place on December 21, 1850, and has since been a resident, and resides with his mother on the homestead; he has 250 aeres. He is Democratic in politics, and in 1882 was elected Supervisor of the township, and is engaged in farming. He received good school advantages, and for ten winters was engaged in teaching in this county. Mem- ber of A., F. & A. M., Westfield Lodge, 163.

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History of Crawford and Clark counties, Illinois, Part 77

Author: Perrin, William Henry, d. 1892? Publication date: 1883 Publisher: Chicago : O.L. Baskin & Co. Number of Pages: 826

Author: Perrin, William Henry, d. 1892?
Publication date: 1883
Publisher: Chicago : O.L. Baskin & Co.
Number of Pages: 826