History of Crawford and Clark counties, Illinois, Part 96

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 96
USA > Illinois > Crawford County > History of Crawford and Clark counties, Illinois > Part 96

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).

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ceeded in accumulating a good property. He is now the owner of 200 acres of good land. He was married in Dayton, Ohio, in 1858, to Miss Rosena Weld, a native of Konigreich, Wurtemberg, Germany. She was born Feb- ruary 25, 1835, and died June 11, 1882, after a sickness of eight weeks. Mr. Rausch has had many difficulties to contend with in his life. He commenced life in America as a la- boring man, to pay back the money he had borrowed to get to America, and has since worked hard; and by honesty, industry and economy he has accumulated a good prop- erty, and a worthy name and reputation. He has the following children: Maggie, Willie, Mrs. Barbara (Greenlee) Steel, and Emma. Mr. Rausch is a Democrat in politics, and a member of the German Lutheran Church.

ABEL REYNOLDS, carpenter, West York, is a native of Randolph County, N. C., born January 4, 1812. His father, Jesse Reynolds, was a farmer, born in the year 1784, in North Carolina. He emigrated to Crawford County, Ill., in 1820, and there died in 1850. His mother, Wilmety (Lamb) Rey- nolds, was born in North Carolina, in 1786, and died in Crawford County in 1848. Of the eleven children born to them, Abel was the second child. He was raised on a farm, and educated from the subscription schools of Crawford County. He began farming for himself at twenty-one years of age, upon rented land. In 1833, he bought his first land-a small tract of eighty acres, located in the western part of Hutsonville Township. In 1838, he sold his farm and bought a grist and saw mill at York, in Clark County. His mill was destroyed by fire in 1851; it con- tained all of his wealth, and he was com- pelled to return to farming upon a rented farm, and after ten years' of hard work he was able to again bny a small tract of eighty acres in Clark County. He did not remove

to this, however, but sold it, and bought 160 acres located near West York, in Hutsonville Township. He remained upon this farm un- til, November, 1882, when he removed to West York and engaged in carpentering. The trade he had never served an apprentice- ship at, but picked up while working for a carpenter, and has worked at the same in connection with his farming duties for the past fifteen years. Mr. Reynolds was mar- ried in Indiana, November 11, 1832, to Miss Sarah Cox, a native of Miami County, Ohio, who was born August 1, 1816. They have been blessed with six children, of whom two are living, viz .: John and Ruth, both mar- ried. Mr. Reynolds and wife are members of the Quaker Church. He is a Republican.

CHILTON ROGERS, furniture and un- dertaking, Hutsonville, is a native of Nel- son County, Ky., born March 12, 1832. His father, Greenberry Rogers, was a farmer, born in Nelson County, Ky., in 1790, and died in Bardstown, the same county, in 1847. He enlisted in the war of 1812, but did not serve, the war ending be- fore he became engaged. Elizabeth Shelton, the mother of our subject, was born in Mary- land, and died in Grayson County, Ky., in 1861, aged seventy-three years. Chilton Rogers was the ninth child of a family of eleven children born to his parents. The first thirteen years of his life were spent on the home farm. His education was limited to three days in the common schools. He has, however, acquired a fair business education since by observation. At thirteen years of age, he was apprenticed to his uncle, Felix Rogers, to learn the cabinet-maker's trade, and served seven years with him, and after- ward worked for a short time as a journey- man at his trade in his native county, and then spent two years in traveling over Ken- tncky, working only a few weeks in a place,

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his object being to become more skillful at his trade. In 1853, he came to Terre Haute, Ind .. and there worked at his trade and car- pentering for about five years: during the time was employed in the car shops for one year. In 1858, he removed to Edgar County Ill., where he remained only a few months, and then went to Clark County, locating at York, where he remained five years. In 1863, he came to Hutsonville, and entered the cabi- net factory in the employ of J. A. Parker, and afterward became his partner in the same business. In 1872, he bought a half-interest in the Hutson Mill, with Mr. John Harness, and continued in that business for three years. In 1875, he erected his present store- room and cabinet shop, and has since been engaged in the furniture and undertaking business. Mr. Rogers has been four times married -in 1855, to Miss Jane Test, who died in 1866; in 1867. to Mary L. Test, a sis- ter to his first wife; she died in 1876, leaving three children, of whom one is living-Char- ley. In 1876, he married Jane Wilson, who died in 1878, leaving one child-Allie. In 1878, he married Bertina Everlett. Mr. Rogers has served on the Town Board for two terms. Is a member of the A., F. & A. M., I. O. O. F. and K. of H. Politically, he is a Republican.

POSEY RUSH, Justice of the Peace and wagon-maker, Hutsonville, Ill., was born in Shelby County, Ky., July 30, 1823, to Abra- ham and Mary (Mattox) Rush. His father was a native of Pennsylvania, born in 1800; emigrated to Shelby County, Ky., in 1820, and to Parke County, Ind., in 1830, where he died in 1866. He followed farming during his life. His wife, the mother of our sub- ject. was born in Virginia in 1802, and died in Joslin, Mo., in March, 1882. They had eight children, Posey Rush being the second child born to them. His early life was spent

at home, receiving a limited common school education, and assisting to till the soil of his father's farm. When he was twenty years of age, he left his home and embarked on his ca- reer in life. He followed farming and driv- ing cattle and horses until 1862, when he en- listed in the late rebellion, in Company G., of the One Hundred and Thirtieth Illinois Regiment under command of Col. Niles, and was engaged in the following battles, viz .: Port Gibson, Champion Hills, Raymond, Jackson, Miss., Black River Bridge, siege of Vicksburg and many smaller engagements. On account of a diseased hip, was discharged from the service July 22, 1863. He imme- diately returned to his home in Parke County, Ind., and was unable to work for several years. In 1868, he removed to Middletown, Ind., bought a farm and remained upon the same five years. In 1873, he removed to Sullivan, Ind., and there engaged in the livery busi- ness. In 1877, he came to Hutsonville, Ill., where he has since been engaged in wagon- making. In April, 1881, was elected Justice of the Peace, and is now holding the office. He was married, in 1843, in Parke County, Ind., to Miss Martha Doggette, who has borne the following children: Lillie and James W. He is a Republican, an active member of the Masons, and with his wife unites with the Baptist Church.

HENRY A. VOORHEIS, farmer and stock- raiser, P. O. Hutsonville, is a native of Craw- ford County, Ill .. born November 14, 1826, on the same farm he is now residing on. His father. Mahlon Voorheis, was a farmer, born March 29, 1797, in New Jersey. He was married May 12, 1824, and the same year removed to Crawford County, III., locat- ing on the same farm now occupied by our sub- ject. He died February 6, 1848. His mother, Eliza (Tuttle) Voorheis, was born in New Jersey July 29, 1804, and died in Crawford

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County, Ill., October 19, 1843. They had eleven children, of whom three are now liv- ing. Henry A. Voorheis being the oldest child His early life was spent at home, assisting in tilling the soil of his father's farm and re- ceiving such an education as could be obtained from the subscription schools. He left his home at twenty-one years of age and engaged to Nathan Musgrave to work on the farm by the month. The following year, he rented the farm of Mr. M. and remained upon the same for five years. During this time, he had been fortunate enough to make enough money to enable him to buy the old home- stead farm, which had changed hands since his father's death. In 1865, he removed to the old farm, and has since remained upon it

actively engaged in farming and stock-rais- ing. He is now the owner of 274 acres of good land. Upon his farm he has a beau- tiful residence, and the surroundings in gen- eral bespeak for him enterprise and industry. In Crawford County, May 8, 1856, he mar- ried Miss Eliza N. Cox, a daughter of Thomas and Debora (Lindley) Cox, natives of North Carolina. Mr. and Mrs. Voorheis have had six children, of whom five are now living, viz .: Emma, wife of F. J. Cooper, of Robinson; John, Charley H., William and Mary. Mr. Voorheis is a member of the Friends' Church, and his wife of the Baptist. He has held the office of School Trustee for twenty years. In politics, is a Repub- lican.

LA MOTTE TOWNSHIP.

JAMES A. ALEXANDER, Palestine. This gentleman was born September 18, 1845, in Palestine. He is a son of Dr. H. Alexan- der, born August 4, 1804, in Woodford Coun- ty, Ky .; he died December 13, 1876. in Pal- estine. He was educated in Kentucky. At the age of twenty-one he came to this county, where he practiced medicine and was after- ward married to Eliza Kitchell, in Novem- ber 27, 1828; she was the mother of three children, who are all dead; she died while quite young. The Doctor was married a second time to Mrs. Julia Danforth, October 13, 1836. She was a sister to the Doctor's first wife, and the mother of six children, of whom only our subject and his brother, Charles C., are living. Mrs. Kitchell died in 1855. The Doctor was married agaiu August 20, 1856, to Miss Jeretta Wilson, who died December 31, 1881. She was the mother of William Alexander, who married

Margaret Lanham; and Elizabeth, born March 2, 1860. Dr. Alexander was one of the most prominent and useful men in the coun- ty. He was a practicing physician for over forty years, and as his real worth and charac- ter became known, the public honored him with different positions of trust and honor. About the first office that he filled was his connection with the land office, as Land Com- missioner; after that he was chosen County Judge, which office he filled with honor and ability. He was elected to the Legislature several times, and filled the position to the sat- isfaction of his constituents. His memory is cherished by all who knew him. Our sub- ject was educated in this county. He was married, January 27, 1873, in Clark County, Ill., to Miss Adeline Pennell, born Decem- ber 4, 1848, in Ohio. She is the mother of four children-Faytie W., born January 14, 1874; William H., born March 19, 1875;

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Lola B., born November 29, 1876; and Daisy D., born March 20, 1882. Mr. Alexander is a member of the Presbyterian Church. Mrs. Alexander belongs to the Congregational Church. Our subject responded to the call of his country, October 8, 1864, enlisting in the Sixty-second Illinois Volunteers, Com- pany F. He is a member of the Alfred Har. rison Post, No. 152, G. A. R. In politics, he is a Democrat.

JOHN B. ANDREW, farmer, was born March 17, 1807, in Caroline County, Md. He is a son of William Andrew, who was born and died in Maryland. He was a farm- er, and was married to Margaret Beechum, who was the mother of eight children. One of them, named David, was in the war of 1812. Mr. Andrew went to school in Mary. land and Ohio, and was married in the for- mer State, January 15, 1833, to Miss Eliza- beth Ireland, born 1809; she is dead now. She was the mother of one child, named De- lilah, who was married December 5, 1867, to Mr. John W. Leaverton, born April 14, 1840. He is a farmer by occupation, and is men- tioned in another part of this work. Mr. Andrew was married a second time, January 17. 1853, in Marion County, Ohio, to Mrs. E. A. Essex, born September 12, 1821; she is a daughter of John and Nancy Parott, and is the mother of three children, two boys and one girl; the boys, L. J. Essex, born Decem- ber 2, 1839, and J. P. Essex, born Decem- ber 21, 1844, are now living; the girl, Fran- ces E., born May 16, 1854, and who married H. W. Hutchings, is now dead; she died April 12, 1873. Mr. Andrew is a hale old man, and carries his years well. He and his wife belong to the Christian Church. He is a Democrat in politics.

J. APPLE, farmer, P. O. Palestine, is a native of Clermont County, Ohio, where he was born June 3, 1820. His father, Daniel

Apple, born 1794, in Pennsylvania, married Rebecca Williamson, born 1792, in Virginia. She is the mother of five children. Our sub- ject, J. Apple, is the descendant of very in dutrious and high-minded people. He was educated in Ohio, where he spent his happy boyhood, and was joined in matrimony, February 27, 1842, to Miss Eunice Ellsworth, born September 7, 1818, in Shelby County, Ohio; she is a daughter of Aquilla and Me- hitabel (Tuttle) Ellsworth, and the mother of nine children-Mary J., Rebecca, deceased, Lemuel F., William S., Sarah A., Caleb H., Cyrus S., Union G., and James E. Mr. Apple is identified with the Democratic party, and through his commendable zeal and industry he is the possessor of 435 acres of fine land in a good farming district.

ALBERT BOKER, farmer, P. O. Robin- son, was born May 8, 1843, in Germany. He was raised in Cincinnati, Ohio. He fought for the stars and stripes in our late war, hav- ing enlisted as a volunteer in the Eleventh Missouri Infantry. He was detailed after- ward to the artillery. After the war, he lived some years in Cincinnati, and finally came to Crawford County, Ill., where he was married, November 29, 1876, to Miss Mad- die McDowell, born May 12, 1843. Her father was Benjamin McDowell, whose grand- father, Robert McDowell, was one of the pi- oneers of Crawford County, having come here in 1814. He and his son John H. were also in the Indian war of 1815. His daugh- ter, Mary H. McDowell, born October 29, 1811, and who is yet living, remembers of having seen old Fort Foote, and has herself been in Fort La Motte. Mr. Boker is an Odd Fellow, and is identified with the Republican party. Mrs. Boker is the proud mother of four bright children; their names and births are as follows: Sarah L., born July 21, 1877; Benjamin, born September 28, 1879; Will-

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iam Henry, born April 25, 1881; and George V., born December 29, 1882. Mrs. Boker's brother, William A. McDowell, was killed at the battle of Fort Donelson.

H. BEECHER, blacksmith, Palestine, was born 1829, in Vincennes, Ind. He is a son of Alva Beecher, born March 31, 1793, in Massachusetts; he was a patent right dealer by occupation, having come to Palestine at an early date. He was married to Miss Achsah Bloss, born in 1794, in Massachu- setts. She is the mother of ten children, four boys and six girls. Mr Beecher went to school in Vincennes, Ind. He learned the blacksmith trade, which he has followed all his life. In 1841, he came to Palestine, where he was married, in 1849, to Miss Eliz- abeth Leatherman, born February 18, 1827, near Montezuma, Ind. She is a daughter of David and Catharine Leatherman. Mr. and Mrs. Beecher are members of the Christian Church. He is a Republican, and is known as an honest, hard working man. Zelim Beecher, who was born, 1815, in Pennsyl- vania, is living in Palestine, where he was married to Charlotte Leatherman. She is the mother of five children now living: Catha- rine, Emma J., Sarah E., Will W. and Ida.

W. J. CREWS, farmer, P. O. Palestine. This worthy gentleman first beheld the light of this world on the 7th day of August, 1802, in Halifax County, Va. His father, John Crews, was born October 7, 1868, in Vir- ginia. He was married to Elizabeth Samson, born January 6, 1778, in Virginia. She was the mother of seven children, three of whom are now living. Mr. J. Crews was one of the first settlers in this county, having come here with his family in 1817, and entered 160 acres of land in what is now called Mont- gomery Township, where his son, the subject of this sketch, was brought up, and on June 18, 1829, he was joined in matrimony to

Miss Amelia Spraggins, born July 9, 1810, in Lincoln County, Ky. She is the daugh- ter of Nathaniel and Christiana (Carpen- ter) Spraggins, who came to this county in 1815. Mrs. Crews is the mother of nine chil- dren-Christiana A., born April 15, 1830, she was married June 13, 1850; Mary E., born September 29, 1831, married February 29, 1848; Martha A., born November 22, 1834, married February 19, 1852; William J., born November 27, 1836, he died Octo- ber 8, 1855; Margaret, born March 6, 1839, married November 8, 1858; John H., born April 23, 1841, married February 13, 1866; Angeline, born September 1, 1844, married September 1, 1863; Sarah A., born October 25, 1846, married February 28, 1867; and Eliza J., born July 28, 1849, married Decem- ber 30, 1869. Mr. Crews has given all' his children a good start in life, and has also given them that home training which has made of them excellent members of their respective communities; altogether his life has been a success, and we feel assured that he can look back with the greatest pleasure to the days that are long since passed. He is a Re- publican, and with his excellent wife and chil- dren belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church.

WILLIAM CUNNINGHAM, farmer, P. O. Palestine, was born April 3, 1853, in Morgan County, Ill. He is a son of Thomas J. Cunningham, who was born September 11, 1825; his occupation was that of a stockman and farmer. He was married, June 13, 1850, to Miss Christiana A. Crews, born April 15, 1830. Mr. Cunningham was edu- cated in Morgan and Crawford Counties. He is a farmer and stockman, and was joined in matrimony, April 1, 1874, to Miss Mary S. Otey, born July, 1855, in this county. She is the mother of two children-Edward, born December 15, 1875, and who passed from

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earth to heaven July 10, 1877; and Ella, who was born May 10, 1877. Mr. Cunningham is a Republican, but is in favor of a new third party. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

JEFFERSON DAUGHERTY, farmer, P. O. Palestine, was born March 26, 1841, in Sullivan County, Ind. His grandfather was in the Revolutionary war. His father, John Daugherty, was born in Kentucky, and died in Indiana. He was married to Mary Jane Daugherty, who was also born in Kentucky. Our subject went to school in New Lebanon, Ind., and Palestine, Ill. He was a farmer in early life. In the summer of 1861, on July 20, he obeyed the call of his country, enlisted in the Eleventh Missouri Infantry Volunteers, and marched forth to defend the stars and stripes. He participated in the battles of Frederickstown, Corinth, Iuka, Vicksburg and others. Mr. Daugherty lost his eyesight in the service of his country. He came home in 1864, and was married, October 7, 1868, in New Labanon, Ind., to Miss S. J. Schoonover, born January 16, 1851, in Sul- livan County, Ind. She is the mother of one child now living, William E., born April 28, 1872. Mr. Daugherty is a member of the "Alfred Harrison Post," No. 152, in Pal- estine Department, G. A. R. He and his wife are members of the Christian Church. He receives a goodly pension from the United States Government.

MRS. M. E. DECKER, Palestine, was born October 20, 1825, on La Motte Prairie. She is a daughter of Lawson Linton, born in Virginia. He married Sarah Ensworth, born in Pennsylvania. She was the mother of nine children. Mrs. Decker's father came to this county at an early date, and she lived here till her sixth year, when she went with her father to Parke County, Ind., where she was educated and was joined in matrimony,

February 5, 1846, to John E. Decker, born October 12, 1814, in Vincennes, Ind. He died December 12, 1866. He is the father of six children, of whom the first two are by his first wife-Edward V., born July 16, 1837; Luke, born September 20, 1839; Rhoda A., born August 23, 1847: Isaac L., born July 4, 1850; Sarah Bell, born July 9, 1854; and one infant son who died. Mrs Decker is a lady who is endowed with a great deal of sound sense; she is a fond mother and a faithful Christian, being a member of the Methodist Church. She returned after she was married to this county, where she lives in a fine, comfortable home, which was built on one of her productive prairie farms. Mrs. Decker's daughter, Sarah Bell, married W. T. Lisman, now dead; she is now married to W. S. Apple, and is the mother of three children living-Charlie, John E. and one infant girl that has not been named.

J. S. DEWITT, farmer, P. O. Palestine, was born July 4, 1833, in Kentucky. He is a son of John Dewitt, born in Virginia. where he married Mary Spurling, born in Virginia. Mr. Dewitt went to school in Ken- tucky, where he farmed, and was married, June 2, 1855, to Mildred A. Reynolds, who died in this county. She was the mother of six children, of whom only Emma M., born September 15, 1863, is now living. She married Jesse Wright. Mr. Dewitt was married a second time to Mrs. Stacy Walters, born October 15, 1822. She is a daughter of T. H. McColpin, and is the mother of ten children, five are now living-Eliza Jane, born December 23. 1850. she married T. J. Pifer; Rosa Ann, born January 18, 1856, she married John Jefferson; Jacob L., born July 3, 1860, he married Maggie Wright; Charles F., born June 11, 1862; Grant, born September 7, 1864; these are all from her first husband. Mrs. Dewitt is a member of

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the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. De- witt is identified with the Democratic party.

MRS. ALICE DONNELL was born No- vember 26, 1846, in Dayton, Ohio. She is a daughter of Cyrus McLean, born 1795, in Frederick City, Md., he died in Sidney, Ohio. He was a farmer by occupation and was mar- ried in Frederick City, Md., to Sarah Flem- ming born 1799, and who died 1871, in Hutsonville, Ill. She is the mother of three children, of whom only our subject is now living. who went to school in Bellefontaine, Ohio. She lived awhile in Palestine, and was there married, March 16, 1881, to Mr. D. K. Donnell, born March 3, 1823, in Ten- nessee, and who died March 15, 1882, in Pal- estine. He had been married once before. Several children were the result of his first marriage; three of them are now living; they are all married and are known as Mrs. Mary Wright, Mrs. Sarah E. Rafferty, and Mrs. Rosa Malone. Mrs. Donnell lives in a com- fortable house in Palestine, near Mr. William Donnell, who came to Palestine at an early age. Mrs. Donnell's parents were members of the Presbyterian Church, but she is a member of the Methodist Church. She has the respect of all with whom she associates.

W. R. EMMONS, magistrate, Palestine, was born April 14. 1836. in Russellville, Lawrence County, Ill. He is a son of Charles D. Emmons, born 1805, in Kentucky. He was a Sheriff of Lawrence County, and died 1850, in Russellville, Ill. He was mar- ried to Miss Sarah Mills, born 1810, in a fort near Russellville, and is the mother of ten children. Mr. W. R. Emmons went to school a few years in Russellville, but is main- ly self educated. He taught school several years in Crawford County, Ill. In 1863, he bought a farm south of Robinson, lived there almost five years, when he bought a half-in- terest in the steam grist mill at Palestine.

Three years after that he sold out, and in 1871 bought a farm near Palestine, which he works, though living in town. Has filled the following township offices: Assessor, two years; Collector, four years; Supervisor, two years. In the spring of 1881, he was elected Justice of the Peace, and has continued in that office up to date. Mr. Emmons was joined in matrimony, March 27, 1860, in Robinson, Ill., to Miss Sarah Nichols, born January 12, 1841, in Crawford County. She is the daughter of Merritt and Elizabeth (Brown) Nichols, and is the mother of four children-Hattie, born April 20, 1867; Eliza, born February 17, 1871; Blanche, born Sep- tember 17, 1875; and one little boy cherub, William Roy, born May 29, 1882. Mr. Em- mons is a Knight of Honor, and adheres to the Republican party.

GEORGE G. ERFFT, farmer, P. O. Pal- estine, was born August 23, 1811, in Muehl- haus, Prussia, Germany, where he went to school. Hunted a great deal and learned the blacksmith trade. He served in the Ger- man Army, and was one of the King's Body Guard. He was also married there, Febru- ary 16, 1844, to Miss Elizabeth Helbeng, who was born April 4, 1821, and is the mother of the following children: Carl A., Phillip J., Juliane, Friedericha, Julius, Henry G., Caroline, Anna P .. Sarah E., Doretta F. Mr. Erfft came to the United States in 1849, settling in Cincinnati; from there he went to Reading, and finally came to Palestine, where he followed his trade. His two boys, Carl and Julius, are both mar- ried and are mechanics, working in the rail- road shops at Palestine. In 1875, Mr. Erfft moved on to a farm, where he built all his buildings himself. He and his wife are mem- bers of the Presbyterian Church. Although Mr. Erfft was not a soldier in the late war, yet he was ever ready to encourage the good

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History of Crawford and Clark counties, Illinois, Part 96

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