History of Effingham county, Illinois, Part 61

Author: Perrin, William Henry, d. 1892? ed
Publication date: 1883
Publisher: Chicago, O. L. Baskin & co.
Number of Pages: 650

USA > Illinois > Effingham County > History of Effingham county, Illinois > Part 61

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JOHN C. PAUGH, physician, P. O. Ma- son, son of Dr. P. G. Paugh ; was born in 1841, in Lawrence County, Ind .; here he was raised with good opportuity for an education, which he improved. He studied medicine in

charge of his father, P. G. Paugh, also under Dr. Grey. with whom he first engaged in the practice of his profession. In 1865, he came to Mason, Ill., and located in the practice of his chosen profession, where he has remained since. Subject was married at Mason January 27, 1870. to Miss Marion Woods, daughter of John Woods. To them were born five children, as follows : Garrison B. and Anna V. (twins). Wilbur J., Allie M., Albert.

SANFORD POSTON, farmer, P. O. Mason, was born in Switzerland County, Ind., October 26, 1840. In 1862, he enlisted in the war, Company A, Third Indiana Cavalry. Was as- signed to Pleasanton's First Cavalry Corps and was in Gen. Custer's brigade. His com- mand was forwarded to the scene of hostility, and did active service in the following engage- ments : Second battle of Bull Run, Lookout Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg. In this battle he was wounded ; a ball struck him in the right side, passed through his body, and was cut out on the left side ; from effect of this he was thrown off duty only three months, when he returned to his comrades at Acquia Creek, Va., and was in the Gettysburg fight, battles of the Wilderness, Early's campaign down the Shenandoah Valley. He was dis- charged February 24, 1865. He was one of the fortunate thirty-one men who came out alive, of a regiment that went into the war eleven hundred strong. He was married in Switzerland County, Ind., February 17, 1866, to Miss Josephine Vandever, daughter of Al- bert Vandever. In 1868, he emigrated to Ef- fingham County, Ill., and located near Mason in farming. In 1879, he purchased an interest in the Mason Flouring Mills, which he still owns. In 1882, made a visit to Dakota Terri- tory, and secured 320 acres of land near Chamberlin, D. T., to which he intends going the ensuing spring. Subject has a family of three children, viz .: Albert, Laura and Edith.

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ROBERT N. RANKIN was born February 7, 1820, in Lawrence County, Ind., where he was raised on a farm. He was married, October 3, 1839, in his native county, to Martha J. Foster, daughter of William Foster, and engaged in farming in Lawrence ; owned a farm of sixty acres there, which he sold in 1849, and re- moved to Mason, Ill., and engaged in farming ; purchased 280 acres, and made his profession a success. Opened a farm about two miles southeast of Mason. About 1859, he sold his farm with the intention of going to Oregon, but when the war broke out he changed his plans, and purchased a farm of 160 acres, one and one-half miles north of town, which he afterward traded for a clothing store in Mason, which he sold out ; and lived and made his home in Mason till June 20, 1871, when he passed to eternal happiness, leaving a widow and seven children-J. M., Bernetta Reed, Robert M., Henry H., Cornelia J. Sprinkle, William F.

W. F. RANKIN, hardware, Mason, was born in Effingham County, Ill., March 13, 1863. At the age of eighteen, he purchased a hardware store of his brother, which he had clerked in about two years previous to said purchase. Mr. Rankin has a fine stock of hardware.

MITCHEL B. REED, retired, Mason, was born in Knox County, Teun., September 2, 1811. At the age of six years, he went with his pa- rents to Blount County. of the same State, from which place, after a short residence, the family removed to Jackson's Purchase, in the Cherokee nation. Here he was daily and hourly companion of the red rovers of the forest, of that strange race which is so rapidly passing from the face of the earthi, soon to be perpetrated only in the tradi- tions and legends of the coming generations. The subject of this sketch was a close observer of their habits and characteristics. He knew them to be unrelenting and treacherous, warlike and brave, unterrified and intrepid, keen sighted as a hound, nnmatched in horsemanship, and dex-

trous as a marksman. He was also acquainted with the better side of Indian character, and could testify to their kindness and hospitality, and to the forbearance with which they watch the more powerful Caucasian nation crowding them toward sunset. Often has Mitchel Reed partici- pated in their wild sports and feats of prowess, and been a listener in their camps or wigwams to their uncouth and superstitious recitals in their native dialect. Among other occurrences about this time, he formed the acquaintance of the celebrated Davy Crocket, and is conversant with much of the history of that brave and ec- centric civilizer and backwoodsman. At Jack- son's Purchase, Mr. R. lived until the year of 1825, when he removed to Athens, McMion County, where he remained till 1836, with the exception of one year spent at Knoxville, Tenn., learning the trade of wagon-maker. During these ten years, his occupation was that of farm- ing and peddling among the Indians of Ocoa Purchase, undergoing and overcoming hard- ships and perils that at the present time are called incidents almost incredible. For weeks at a time, he would be out with his team alone, in the vast wilderness, encompassed by the wily, distrustful savage, and steadily exposed to the attacks of wild animals and the venom of deadly serpents. It was the 9th of June, 1836. he arrived at Ewington, the country seat of Effingham County, after a long and fatiguing journey from the sunny South. A desolate- looking prospect opened before him. No rattle of trains; no telegraph wires to flash the news of an outer world. Only a few scattered mills along the streams, or the ominous howl- ing of the wolves broke the quietude. Wild deer were thick upon the hills, and wild turkey were not then, as now, a luxury. The crack of the rifle and the thud of the woodman's ax were the first to announce the new civilization in this section of the country. The old order of things gave way to the brawny arms of the pio- neers; the primeval trees were shaped into

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houses, and houses were mustered together and towns constructed; the desolate waste of sway- ing grasses were swept by the autumn fires, and soon the bannereil corn held up its myriad beauties to the sun. On the last day of 1837. our old friend was married to Miss Lavina Slover, whose father was the owner of the land on which the city of Etlingham now stands. The early days of his wedded life were full of trials, hardships and toils, yet seasoned with much that is pleasant and gratifying to recall. The year of 1846 finds him again in Bradley County, Tenn., pursuing the trade of wagon- maker. In 1851. he returned to Illinois, and after a short residence in Edwards County, came back to Etlingham, and located between Big and Little Salt Creeks, Watson Township. In 1867, he removed to the vicinity of his pres- ent abode. In 1876, he lost his much-beloved partner of his struggles, who died universally lamented by all who knew her many excellent qualities. Six out of eight children born to the happy twain survive, exemplary citizens, as fol- lows-Mrs. Mary E. Cronk; Miss Mahala C. Reed, who is at present her father's housekeeper; George W .; James P. and Isaac S., who is the subject of the sketch following this, and Charles M. Reed, who is a first-class, moral young man, and makes his home with his father. The first and third born were sons who died quite young.

ISAAC S. REED, merchant, Mason, was born in Edwards County, Ill., March 13, 1852. He was raised on a farm in the vicinity of Wat- son and Mason. His facilities for education were such as the common schools of the county afforded. After he was twenty-one, he attended two terms of school near Mason, and two terms of select school in the town of Mason, thereby gaining a good common school education. He has followed the business of farming and stock dealing till recently. In 1882, he purchased the post office building owned by Mr. Hill, and put in a good stock of groceries as well as 110-

tions and books, and in connection with this, he runs a barber-shop, a business at which he put in a part of each week for some time, and has become an expert at the work. Mr. Reed has been a local correspondent for Effingham Demo- crat for many years. Ile is a good itemizer, and when disturbed by brother correspondents, he makes the old fuzz fly at a severe rate. Ile is a member of the Masonic fraternity, Mason Lodge, No. 217; has held the offices of Senior Dea- con and Secretary, which last position he fills at present. He is a Democrat, of indomitable qualifications. He is a genial, good-natured, clever fellow, and a typical gentleman.

WILLIAM H. RICE, furniture dealer, Edge- wood, was born November 4, 1838, in Essex County, N. J. Remained there till 1857, when he went to Charleston, S. C., where he remained in the sewing machine business until 1861, when he went to Indianapolis. Ind., remaining there till 1867 ; then returned to the South and traveled through several States. In 1873, he began the hotel and restaurant business, mak- ing several removals. Began furniture busi- ness in connection with hotel keeping in the city of Effingham, Ill., in 1881. 1n 1882. he moved his furniture store to Edgewood. his . present location. In 1877. he was married to Miss Palmer.

JONATHAN J. ROBINSON, farmer, son of John Wesley Robinson, was born in February 6, 1837, in Effingham County. Removed with his parents when quite young to St. Louis, Mo. After some residence in St. Louis, he removed to Posey County, Ind. Shortly after- ward returned to Effingham County, Ill. He has made this his home since. He was mar- ried. April 10, 1859, to Miss Martha Ann Redding, daughter of Willis Redding, in this county. Engaged in farming in this county. In 1862, he purchased a farm of eighty acres in Mason Township, Section 33. mostly wild land, of which he has abont fifty acres in cultivation, partly in bottom. Politically, a Republican.

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Subject has four children, namely-Mary E., William J., Sedora E., Robert W.

FERDINAND A. SCHIFFLIN, hardware store, Edgewood, dealer in hardware, groceries and agricultural implements, of Edgewood, Ill., was born in Prussia March 22, 1839. Landed in New York City March 12, 1857. Remained in New York City fifteen years, employed as traveling agent by his brother and partner, Schifflin and Sievers, wholesale dealers in hard- ware. Subject came to Edgewood November 19, 1870, engaging in hardware, groceries and machinery, etc., business on his own hook. Subject of this sketch possesses rare business talent and keeps a complete stock. Was mar- ried to Miss Fannie Ryan in New York City, January 19, 1861. They have two children, Angie and Ferdinand W. Mr. Schifflin is a Demoerat, and belongs to the Masonic order.

JAMES R. SCOTT, physician, Edgewood, was born September 13, 1840, in Jeffer- son County, Ky. Removed with his parents to Pike County, where he grew to manhood with favorable opportunity for education. He at- tended school taught by A. T. Hendricks, Esq., brother of Thomas A. Hendricks, of Indiana. Began the study of medicine in 1858, under J. R. Adams, of Petersburg, Ind. Also studied under J. L. Hallim, of Central District, surgeon for Illinois Central Railroad. He graduated at the Cincinnati Medical College in 1862. He en- listed in the United States service in March, 1962, in the Third Kentucky Infantry as an assistant surgeon. Was on the field of battle at Chicka- mauga, Rocky Face Ridge, Dalton, Kenesaw Mountain. Was discharged October 10, 1864. Subject was married in Mason, December 25, 1865, to Mary A. Jacobs, who died in Septem- ber, 1867. He was married in 1869 to Miss Mary Farrin. She died the same year, and he was again married to Miss Maggie Gilmore, daughter of J. L. Gilmore, April 2, 1871, to whom have been borne two children. The first, Minnie, born in 1873, died in 1875. The sec-

ond, Nettie C., was born April 23, 1882. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and politi- cally a Democrat.

JOHN H. SEITZ, farmer, P. O. Mason, sou of George P. Seitz, was born in 1849 in Harri- son County, Ind. Removed with parents in 1864 to Clay County, Ill., where he was mar- ried in 1871 to Miss Amelia M. Smith, dangh- ter of Lawrence Smith. He engaged in farm- ing. In 1874, he removed with his family to Effingham County, Ill., and settled on a farm one mile north of Mason. Subject is a Demo- crat. He has a family of three children- Laura Addie, Annie A., Katy Florence.

ANDREW SHARP, shoemaker, Mason, son of William Sharp, was born in Wirt County, W. Va., in 1850. His father died when he was very young, and he began to shift for himself at the age of nine years, working at varions kinds of public work. In 1865, he took up the trade of shoemaking. In 1871, he came to Mason, Ill., and started a shop, where he has remained since, working at his trade. Subject was married in Mason, Ill., in 1872, to Miss Naney Barkham, danghter of Howell Barkham. Mr. Sharp is an old Jacksonian Democrat. Besides some fair property in Mason, he owns fifty acres of beautiful val- ley land in the mountains of West Virginia, which, on account of the oil and oil works of that section, may become of great value in the future. In his boyhood he assumed the respon- sibility of taking care of his mother, which he still continues.

CHARLES SISSON, station agent, Mason, son of Daniel Sisson, was born in Ohio Con- ty, Ind., August 29, 1856. Removed with his parents when quite young to Mason, Ill. Here he had fair advantages for education, attending the Mason High School several terms. At the age of twenty-two, he engaged in telegraphy in Mason. He has served as station agent at Sigel and.Neoga. In 1880, he was stationed at Mason, the office in which he learned. Subject

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was married in Mason, September 23, 1880, to Miss Eva Bailie, daughter of Andrew Bailie. He has one child, Arthur Eugene. Subject's father, Daniel Sisson, is a millwright by pro- fession. He owns a first-class flouring mill at Mason, Ill. Has nine children, all living- Ada B., a well-known teacher of the county ; Franklin ; Charles, the subject of our sketch ; Eugene, a law student at Shawneetown ; Bird, May, Ida, Ernest and Effie.

ALMON D. TARBOX, farmer, P. O. Mason, a son of Solomon Tarbox, was born in Switzer- land County, Ind., December 24, 1834. He was married in this county, October 16, 1851, to Miss Rachel Griffin, and took up the avocation of farming on a farm of eighty acres near Vevay, Ind. In 1864, he sold his farm and re- moved to Effingham County, Ill. He pur- chased 120 acres of land in Section 29, Mason Township. This he has made his home since. Mr. Tarbox, and his wife are both mem- bers of the M. E. Church. Politically, he is a Republican. Mr. Tarbox has a family of seven children, as follows : Milton, William, Ollie, Clara, Gertrude, Laura, and one deceased, Fannie. Subject's father, Solomon Tarbox, was born in New York November 9, 1873. He was married in New York in 1805, to Miss Harris, daughter of Robert Harris. In 1808, he re- inoved to Indiana, and followed the avocation of farming in connection with his trade, shoe- making. He removed with his son, subject, to Illinois, with whom he made his home till his death which occurred in 1866. His widow (subject's mother) Mrs. Alice Tarbox, was born in New York June 16, 1796. She is now and has for many years made her home with her son. Mrs. Tarbox has been a member of M. E. Church since she was eleven years old. They raised a family of eight children, two of whom are living, including subject and Fannie L., wife of Daniel Kittle, a resident of this township.

WILLIAM TOOKEY, farmer, P. O. Edge- wood, son of John Tookey, was born October

27, 1818, in County Kent, England. Here he was raised on a farm, and the facilities for an education were very poor. He was married in England in 1843, to Miss Harriet Revel. He emigrated to America in 1851, and located in Philadelphia, where he . was engaged as gardener and milkman; there he remained till 1856, and settled on a farm, and followed in that county only a short time, when he removed to Chicago, and engaged in gardening; here hie remained till 1876, when he removed to Ef- fingham County, Ill., and purchased a farm of 100 acres in Effingham County, and eighty acres in Fayette County, across the line. Mr. Tookey's wife died in Kane County, III., in 1857, and he was married, August 31, 1867, to Mrs. Emma Charlot, in Chicago, by Dr. Lord. By his first wife, he has three children living, viz .: James, Harriet and Mrs. Annie Duddles. Mr. Tookey is a member of the Masonic fra- ternity, Edgewood Lodge, No. 484. Subject is a Republican politically.

HENRY TOOKEY, farmer, P. O. Edge- wood, was born in 1827, in Kent County, Eng- land. He was married in 1852 to Miss Sarah Barton. Came to Philadelphia in 1855, via New York City, where he remained one year, then pushed westward to Kane County, 111. In 1859, he removed to Effingham County, Ill., and engaged in farming a small farm of fifty-one acres near Edgewood, to which he has added to the amount of 627 acres of land, a part of which is given to his children; still retains a good farm. In 1882, he rented his farm and removed to Edgewood, III., where he still runs a small farm adjoining the corporation. Feb- ruary 5, 1877, his wife died. He was mar- ried September 1, 1878, to Mrs. Emily J. Fields.

BENJAMIN TURMIN, farmer, P. O. Ma- son, is a son of John Turmin; was born in Bedford County, Tenn., in 1819. Here he was raised on a farm. Ile was married in Bed- ford County, Tenn., in 1830, to Miss Martha

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Gross, and he engaged in farming in that coun- ty till 1844, when he removed to Perry County, Ill., and resumed farming. He purchased sev- eral farms in that county, and was in well-to- do circumstances. In 1865, he removed to Ef- fingham County, again resuming the avocation of a farmer. In 1849. his wife died. Shortly after the death of his wife, he engaged in merchandising in Mulkeytown, Franklin Co., Ill. He soon after sold out his store and erected a store building and put in a large stock of goods, in Franklin County, Ill., on the MeLeansboro road, and he was the first Postmaster of the village Ewing that built up there. One year later finds him in the town of Mason, III., where he again engaged in mer- chandising, which he continued about one year, and sold out. He bought a farm in West Township which he soon after traded for a farm near Mason; this he traded for a farm of 108 acres in Section 8, Mason Township, and moved onto it in 1876. Mr. Turmin was married to his present wife in August, 1879; her name was Mrs. Louis Hance. His second wife's maiden name was Miss Elizabeth Silk- wood. Subject has a family of five children

living-Mrs. Mary Burks, Mrs. Margaret Cul- ley, Mrs. Martha Metler, Mrs. Sarah Caven- augh and Virginia B. Turmin. Politically, Mr. Turmin is a Democrat. In 1864, he, in eon- nection with a great many of the best citizens of Tamaroa, including lawyers, doctors and other men of good standing, were arrested and taken to Washington City, and imprisoned. This was just before the election. After the election was over, they passed an interview with some Government officer, and of course were acquitted and allowed to return home.

DAVID S. TURNER, farmer, P. O. Mason, was born in Buckingham County, Va., June 21, 1822, being the oldest child of James Tur- ner, now of this county. He was eight years old when his father came to this county, hav- ing lived seven years in Tennessee. Subject

went to school here to a Tennessean named James White, in Jackson Township, one-half mile west of his father's old homestead ; thinks he was twelve years old when he went to the first one in that neighborhood ; went to school when he could be spared from work on the farm. It was a problem in those days to clothe children, and as fast as a boy's clothes and shoes were done he started to school. The last teacher he went to was hired by his father to come and teach his children in a house on his farm. His name was Hiram Gray, a native of Tennessee. Our subject was married June 9, 1844, to Elizabeth Henry, daughter of Elijah Henry, of this county. He came from Lexington, Ky. After marriage our subject located on a farm of heavy timbered land near Watson, but not liking the idea of removing heavy timber, he bought 180 acres of land in 1850, near what is now Edgewood- for $400, and lived on it five years and im- proved it. In 1855, he bought 250 acres ad- joining the town of Mason, where he now lives and has farmed it ever since. He raises a va- riety of grains and stock. In 1868, his wife died, leaving two children-John Henry and Allie. In 1869, our subject remarried to Mrs. Maria Van Deusen, of English birth, and has three children of this marriage-Freddie and Flora (twins), and Maggie. Mr. Turner has lived in the town of Mason since 1869.

HENRY B. TURNER, farmer, P. O. Mason, son of James Turner, was born in Effingham County, Ill., December 27, 1830. His chances for education were as good as that time could furnish. He attended several winter terms a distance of three miles, and then the accommo- dations were very poor, being an average pio- neer log sehoolhouse. He also attended two winter terms of school taught at his father's. the teacher being hired by his father to teach the family ; thus he acquired a fair education. He followed farming till 1856, making his home with his father, at which time he engaged in

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merchandising at Louisville, Clay Co., Ill., in partnership with Heury M. Hobbs. In this business I think he continued only long enough to win his partner's fair daughter, Miss Susan Ellen Hobbs, and to whom he was married September 27, 1857. He returned to Efling- ham County and settled his tract of land, 212 aeres of wild prairie, in Mason Township, two and one-half miles north of Mason, where he has made a farm on which he has excellent im- provements, and calls it " Sweet Home." Mr. Turner is a member of the Masonic fraternity and is a zealous supporter of Democracy. He has a family of four children-Stephen D., Ida May, Harriet A., Rozilla.

WILSON TURNER, farmer, P. O. Mason, son of James Turner, was born in Jackson Township, of this county. October 2, 1838. He was raised on a farm. Received a fair common school education for that time. In 1858, he attended school at Windsor, Shelby County, Ill .; where he made the acquaintance of Miss .Mary A. Poe, daughter of Abner Poe, to whom he was married November 27, 1858. In 1860, he located on a tract of land of 240 acres, two and a half miles northeast of Mason, timber and prairie adjoining, on which he has 140 acres in cultivation. Ile has a first-class residence and other buildings as well as an excellent orchard. Subject of this sketch is a Mason, and is of Democratic persuasion. The following are his family : Henry A .; Zilla C., wife of Aaron Louder ; Didemma Y .; Eley N. ; James W. ; John F. ; Theodore N .; Annie Laurie ; Glen- dora A., and two who have been called to rest -William B. and Oscar H.

MAJ. HARRISON TYNER, merchant, Ma- son, was born in 1813, in Scott County, Ky. Removed with his parents, at age of two, to Shelby County, Ind. With fair opportunities for education, he grew to manhood here. He was married, December 27, 1832, to Miss Levi- na Penwell, daughter of George Penwell, and resided in Indiana till 1854. and followed the

profession of carpenter and joiner, which he learned shortly after his marriage. Moved to Kankakee, Ill., in 1854, and again embarked in his profession. In 1859, he removed to Mason, Ill. In August, 1861, he enlisted in the war Company B, Thirty-eighth Illinois, as Captain of company. His health having failed him, he returned home soon after his enlistment. During the early part of 1864. he again enlisted and was commissioned Major of the One Hun- dred and Forty-third Illinois. The One Hun- dred and Forty-third was not called to the field of battle; was stationed at Helena, Ark., to guard the river, and keep the river navigable for United States boats. At one time during a short stay of six weeks at Ilelena, only twenty- seven men were reported able for duty on ac- count of the malaria of that vicinity. During his first enlistment, was in the following engage- ments: Siege of Corinth and the battle of Stone River. Was discharged September 26, 1864. For some years after the war, he ran a hoot and shoe store; afterward engaged in dealing in groceries and furniture, of which he keeps a fine assortment. The following are his chil- dren: David L., Oscar M. and Charles W. Two of his sons were killed in the war. George W., the oldest, was killed by the cars, and William II. was wounded at Liberty Gap, Tenn., from the effects of which he died.

DAVID L. TYNER, furniture, P. O. Mason, dealer in furniture, etc., son of H. Tyner, was born November 27, 1836, in Hancock County, Ind. He came with his parents, in 1858, to Illinois, and settled at Kankakee, where his father followed the carpenter's and joiner's trade. The subject of this sketch learned the the trade of his father. He was married, April 4, 1838, in Kankakee County, Ill., to Mahala Dashiell. In 1843, he moved to Champaign for a short time, and in 1844, he removed to Mason, Ill., and engaged in his trade till 1874, when he engaged in the furniture business, and has good property in Mason. Politically, he

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History of Effingham county, Illinois, Part 61

Author: Perrin, William Henry, d. 1892? ed Publication date: 1883 Publisher: Chicago, O. L. Baskin & co. Number of Pages: 650

Author: Perrin, William Henry, d. 1892? ed
Publication date: 1883
Publisher: Chicago, O. L. Baskin & co.
Number of Pages: 650