USA > Illinois > Fayette County > History of Fayette County, Illinois > Part 17
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Mrs. Ross died in 1839; her husband still survives her, and though 82 years of age is still in the enjoyment of good health. Judge Ross' early life was passed much the same as most country boys of that time, working upon the farm, and occasionally going to school. In 1836 he came to Fayette County and engaged in the building trade, soon after in clerking. In June 1838 he married Miss Martha J. Phillips. They had six children, only one, Robert W. Ross. the present circuit clerk of Fayette County, of whom is now living. In 1857 he was admitted to the bar and formed a partnership with Judge Gallagher. He was afterwards associated with Hon. B. W. Henry, in the practice of the law. Since 1856 Judge Ross has been an influential member of the Democratic Party ; prior to that time he had been a Whig. He has filled numerous public positions. The first that of Post Master of Mulberry Grove, and afterwards of Vandalia. He was Justice of the Peace for twenty years, and has twice been elected County Judge.
In 1834 Judge Ross united with the Methodist E. Church, of which his wife was a full member. Mrs. Ross' father, Moses C. Phillips, was one of the founders of the first church erected in Vandalia. Judge Ross is a most estimable man and citizen, whose life reflects credit to himself and honor to his family.
H. S. HUMPHREY,
A PROMINENT journalist and Republican, was boru in New York, January, 1828. His parents, Lucius and Lydia (Chidsey) Humphrey, were natives of Connecticut, and were married in New York, where Mr. Humphrey still resides. His wife died in October, 1839.
Their son, H. S. Hun al : , was raised in New York, where he had ex- cellent opportunities for any ting an education.
When seventeen years old he went to learn the art of printing. At the expiration of three years. having become proficient in his trade, he came West, stopping only a short time at various points. In the spring of 1850 he located at Napersville, Du Page County, and became assistant editor of a temperance paper, and subsequent' editor and publisher of the Du Page
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HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
County Observer. In 1852 he sold out, and went to Kendall County, and published the Kendall County Recorder, which he continued until 1856. Owing to change in the political tone of the paper, Mr. Humphrey with- drew. The citizens of the county immediately organized the Kendall County Free Press, a Republican journal, and solicited Mr. Humphrey to take full charge of its interests. He accepted, and continued in its management until 1864, when he came to Vandalia, and started the Vandalia Union, a Repub- lican paper, of which be still retains the editorial control. He is also engaged in mercantile business, and was appointed by President Grant post-master of Vandalia. May 20th, 1851, he married Miss Helen I. Fox, of Michigan, then residing at Napersville. They have had two children. Julia C. Seward, the eldest, died, December, 1863; Fred C., now engaged with his father in the drug business in Vandalia.
COL. FERRIS FORMAN.
FEW men living in this state have been more actively engaged in public affairs than Col. Ferris Forman. He was born August 25th, 1811, in Tioga County, New York. His father, Miles Forman, was a soldier in the revolutionary war. His mother's name was Anna Platt, both of English ex- traction.
The Col. graduated in 1832, at Union College, Schenectady. Studied law in Owego, Tioga County, N. Y. Admitted to practice in that state, in 1835, and in the Supreme Court of the United States in 1836. He came west in 1836, and settled in Vandalia, where he began the practice of his profession.
In 1844, was elected to the Senate of Illinois, and served one session.
On the breaking out of the Mexican war he raised a company of volun- teers, proceeded to Alton-the place of rendezvous-was elected Col. of the 3d regiment, thence to Mexico. He participated in a number of engage- ments ; was discharged at New Orleans.
He returned to Vandalia and resumed the practice of law, until the gold fever of 1849 broke out, when he went to California, where he practiced un- til 1853, when he was appointed Post Master of Sacramento City by Presi- dent Pierce. This position he held for the term of four years. Subsequently he held the office of Secretary of State under the administration of John B. Weller, Governor of California. In 1860-61, he was elected by the Legislature of California, Boundary Commissioner, on the part of the State, to fix the boundary line between California and the then Territory of Utah. . In conjunction with a commissioner on the part of the United States be pro-
Service Forman
ceeded in the month of April from Los Angeles, across the Colorado direct to Fort Mojavo, near the initial point of the 35° parallel of latitude. Upon his arrival there he found the civil war had commerced. He remained about two months, established the initial point by observation ; returned to Lake Bigler, Cal., (now Lake Tahoe) established another astronomical station to fix the initial point where the boundary assumed a direct northerly course to the Oregon boundary line. Soon after the Governor tendered Col. Forman the position of Colonel of the 4th infantry, California volunteers, which he accepted.
Was in the service twenty months, when becoming tired of barrack life he resigned.
In the winter of '66, he returned to Vandalia, Ill., where he has ever since resided. During the Constitutional Convention of 1870, he was elected to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Hon. B. W. Henry. He is now State Attorney for Fayette County.
The Colonel was married in 1844, to Miss Lucinda Booth, a native of North Carolina, by whom he has two children-son and daughter, both of whom are married. In politics Col. Forman is a Democrat, well known among the politicians of southern Illinois.
HON. CHARLES G. SMITH.
THE proportion of successful merchants has been estimated as to five iu one hundred; in some of the professions less; in journalism least of all. And the last is seemingly the easiest, and the one that a majority of college- bred young men turn their attention to.
Successful men in this direction are so rare, that it is safe to assume that they are men of more than ordinary ability. Charles G. Smith, editor and proprietor of the Fayette Democrat, has succeeded in this profession. He was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, March 3d, 1829, and was the eldest child of Wm. Lewis and Margaret (McD Ewing) Smith. He attended the public schools, and occasionally a select one, until his sixteenth year, when he went to Dart County and taught one winter. Shortly after he appren- ticed himself to the publisher of the Dayton Transcript, where he remained two years, devoting his leisure time to reading law. He then went to Cin- cinnati and perfected himself in his trade, and left for New Orleans, where he worked in the Picayune, Delta, and other offices in New Orleans and elsewhere. . At Louisville he was employed on the Louisville Journal, and afterwards took charge of the Daily and Weekly Times, of which he was
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HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
Charles Smith
news editor. He married, while there, Miss Mary S. Bunch, daughter of James and Salena Bunch. They have had four children, Alfred F., Emma E., Charles H., and Anna Gordon, who died August 10th, 1864.
From this time until the breaking out of the war he was engaged in publishing in various places in the State. In 1862, owing to the stoppage of all business in Kentucky, he removed to Illinois and located in Vandalia. In 1863, he was requested to take charge of the Democrat, which is in poli- tics what its name implies, and is the official organ of that party in the county. He was a member of the legislature and has filled a number of minor positions, and is at present Master in Chancery. He is a man that has succeeded because he deserved to succeed.
COL. ROBERT K. MCLAUGHLIN (DECEASED),
WAS born in Virginia, October 25th, 1779. His early years were spent much the same as most boys of the period. Few had the means to get an education. Schools there were few or none. And it was only by persever- ance and intense application, and almost wholly without tuition that they managed to acquire the rudiments of an education. Before attaining his majority Col. Mclaughlin went to Kentucky, remaining but a short time. He came to Illinois and located at Belleville and engaged in the practice of his profession, the law, and moved to Vandalia just before it was made the Capital of the State. He soon became identified with the interests of his adopted state, of which he was elected first State Treasurer, in 1819. It is related of him that while serving in that capacity nothing could induce him to temporarily use the funds of the state lying idle in his hands. He was also Register of the General Land Office from 1837 to 1845. He was extremely social in his disposition, and his house was the centre, around which gathered the beauty and fashion of those early days. He married in 1815 Mies Isabella Bond, daughter of N. Bond, one of the prominent men of his time. She was the niece of Hon. Shadrach Bond, the first Governor of the state. She was born in Fredericksburgh, Maryland, Sept. 9th, 1792. and came with her father to St. Clair County, when a child; she was a woman of remarkable vigor and force of character, and much of her husband's success, was owing to her perception and advice. While taking a lively interest in the affairs of the day in which her husband and relatives bore such a conspicuous part, she also cultivated those feminine graces that made her one of the most popular and beloved women at the Capital.
Col. Mclaughlin died May 29th, 1862. His wife died June 5th, 1868. Their bodies repose in the Cemetery at Vandalia, but their memories are still living and will continue to live, so long as genius and goodness are esteemed desirable attributes.
FERDINAND ERNEST.
THERE will always attach an interest to the history of the pioneer families of the West, which can never properly belong to others who came at a later date, as they have laid the foundation of our social and material status; and coming generations can only modify and develop that which was by their energy and perseverance at first established. By their strong arms the forests were felled, the tangled undergrowth cleared away, the stubborn glebe broken, and primitive cabin, school-house and church erected.
Ferdinand Ernest, whose name is prominent among the pioneers of Fayette County, was a native of Hanover, Germany. In the year 1818 he made a visit to America and came to Fayette County, where he remained for a time prospecting. Being highly gratified with the opportunities for agricul- tural pursuits and advantages for other business, he determined to make it his future bome.
He collected samples of the cereals and grasses, and returned to Germany, where he published a pamphlet giving the superior advantages offered to the emigrants. Soon after he fitted out a colony of about thirty families, and sailed for America. He paid all expenses of the colony. There were me- chanics of almost every trade in the colony. Shoemakers, tailors and all he supplied with a full stock of goods ready for business upon reaching their new homes. In crossing the ocean one child fell overboard and was lost, otherwise the whole colony arrived safely in Vandalis, December, 1820.
After reaching Vandalia Mr. Ernest purchased several tracts of land, and set many of them to farming, and also completed his hotel, the erection of which he had ordered before he left America. It was located on the east side of the public square, north of the National Bank.
So munificent was he in his gifts to the colony that his fortune was about all absorbed in their interests. He established the first store in this place, and was for a time president of the board of trustees of Vandalia.
He died about the year 1824. His widow survived him until 1835.
Mr. Ernest was a wealthy, cultured, refined and honorable gentleman, and did more toward the advancement of Fayette County in its early time than any other man.
Mr. Ernest and wife had three children, viz .: Herman C. and Rudolph F., and Augusta, who became the wife of Dr. Robert Peebles, who figured quite conspicuously in the early history of the county. The doctor owned and operated the first steam saw and grist mill in the county. This was about the year 1828. He died in 1833. His widow subsequently married Judge Wilcox, who is now residing in Kankakee, Illinois.
In 1839 Rudolph F. Ernest was appointed a cadet to West Point, and graduated in the regular course, with the rank of lieutenant. He spent a number of years in Florida, fighting the Indians. On the breaking out of the Mexican war he was sent to Virginia, as a recruiting officer.
His eldest son, Herman C., was born Jan. 1, 1815. He was educated in the schools of Vandalia. When at the age of twelve years he partly lost his hearing, and at twenty, became entirely deaf.
In early life he went to Cincinnati, and learned the trade of operating steam-engines. After returning home he followed this business for some time. About the age of twenty-five, he began the study of surveying, under the instruction of Wm. C. Greenup. He was married to Clara, the youngest daughter of Mr. Greenup, in June, 1849. By this union they had six children, five of whom are living. He followed surveying the balance of his life. In politics he was a Republican. Died April 5, 1874. His widow is yet living.
Their eldest son, Rudolph F., recently graduated in Medicine, and the youngest, Ferdinand, is now engaged in merchandising, in partnership with A. H. Dieckman, of Vandalia.
EMANUEL IRELAND
WAS born in Knox County, Ohio, June 17th, 1827. His father, Noble Ire- land, came to this country with his parents when a child. His mother, Catherine (Vian) Ireland, was born in Pennsylvania and was of German ex-
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HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
traction. Noble Ireland like most of his race had a strong affection for the land of his choice, and upon the breaking out of the war of 1812, immediate- ly enlisted to fight the hereditary enemy of his people.
Some time after the close of the war he located in Ohio and engaged in farming. His son Emanuel's childhood and youth were spent in his native county. As soon as he was able he went to work, but seldom having any time to devote to schooling, when the slightest opportunity presented itself he availed himself of it, and managed to get a practical knowledge of business. In 1849, his parents came to Illinois and located in Avena Town- ship, in this county, and subsequently to Loudon Township, where his father resumed his occupation. Mr. Ireland remained in Ohio for a short time after his parents' departure working as a farm hand. In 1850, he concluded to pay a visit to his parents in their new home. Soon after his arrival an open- ing presented itself, which he concluded to avail himself of for a time at least. and accordingly commenced teaming and trading between St. Louis and Vandalia. He engaged in a number of enterprises, and in the autumn of 1850, in partnership with a' man named Holbrook commenced a general merchandising business. The partnership lasted but a short time, when Mr. Ireland succeeded to the business. April 7th, 1851, he married Miss Martha A. Buckensto, of Ohio. They had seven children in the following order of their births, Gertrude, who married Joseph St. Pierre, now living in the county-Noble died in his 18th year-Harriet, now Mrs. Achilles Smith,- Theodore died in infancy,-Frances, William and Howard.
Mr. Ireland has been successful in all his undertakings, and has accumula- ted considerable property. He owns several of the finest farms in the neighbor- hood of Vandalia. He is only indebted to his own industry and ability for his present condition of ease and plenty. In politics he is a Democrat, and has frequently been the candidate of that party for public positions. He was Treasurer of the County for six years, and at the expiration of his term settled his accounts most satisfactorily. He is a good citizen and honest man, and one interested in the prosperity and development of his county.
A. P. H. DOYLE, (DECEASED).
ANOTHER name worthy of mention in this work, is that of the late A. P. H. Doyle. He was born in Logan County, Ky., Sept. 1st, 1808. His father, John Doyle , was a planter in the above named county, where he died about the year 1870. The Doyle family is of Irish extraction. The subject of this sketch received his education in the schools of his native county.
Being desirous of living in the west, he came to Fayette County, and settled in what is now Bowling Green Township. He was a noted hunter, and spent much of his time in the sports of the chase. After entering a piece of land he returned in 1831 to Kentucky and married Miss Lydia Miller; re- turning with his young bride, he resumed farming and trading. The fruits of this union were twelve children, five of whom are yet living. One daughter resides in Saginaw City, Mich., and the remaining children live in Fayette County. Mr. Doyle was in early life a Whig, and after the dissolu- tion of that party he did not affiliate with either party. He was one of the first constables of the county, and served several terms as sheriff. As an officer he discharged his duties with integrity and satisfaction. His honesty, generous and hospitable nature won him many friends, and in passing down to posterity those honest, hardy pioneers of Illinois, we feel a just pride in placing in their rank the name of A. P. H. Doyle.
During the late war, Mr. Doyle was a staunch supporter of the union cause.
He was a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for twenty-five years before his death. He donated the land and contributed largely to the building of a church near the old homestead.
He died on the 15th of February, 1864. His widow survived him until Feb. 1876.
The eldest son, Henry Clay Doyle, is married and engaged in farming near Vandalis, and has been constable for about nine years. He is a member of the republican party.
BRIGADIER-GENERAL T. E. G. RANSOM (DECEASED).
THOMAS EDWIN GREENFIELD RANSOM, (deceased,) was born at Nor- wich, Madison County, Vermont, on the 29th of November, 1884. His father, Col. Trueman B. Ransom, was born in Woodstock, Vermont, in 1803,
and was for some time President of the Norwich University, in that State. The military element of the school formed the character for which the subject of this sketch was so celebrated. During the Mexican war, young Ransom was taught engineering under the tuition of his cousin, B. F. Marsh, on the Rutland and Burlington Railroad. Returning to the military school after his father's death and remaining there until the spring of 1851, he then came to La Salle County, in this State, to continue the practice of the engi- neering profession. Three years later he was engaged.in the real estate business with his uncle under the firm name of Ciilson, Ransom & Co., and in 1854, he removed to Chicago, and subsequently to Fayette County, Illinois. Here he acted as agent for the I. C. R. R. Company. Upon the breaking out of the war he raised a company in the county, which was organized into the Eleventh Illinois Regiment, with Ransom as Major.
On the 30th of July, 1861, the regiment was mustered out of the three months' service and a large majority of the regiment went into the three years' service. On the re-organization Major Ransom was elected Lieu- tenant-Colonel. The command and discipline of the regiment almost en- tirely devolved upon the young Lieutenant.
On the 22d of August, 1861, he led his men against a large force of the enemy under Major Hunter, concentrated at Charlestown, Missouri. The regiment made a gallant fight, capturing some prisoners and fifty horses. Col. Ransom was shot in the shoulder by a mounted rebel who pretended to surrender, for which treachery Col. R. fired upon the traitor and killed him. At Fort Donelson his horse was killed under him, himself wounded severely in the shoulder, and his clothes pierced with no less than six or eight bullets. He, however, kept gallantly with his men and refused to leave the field till the fight was ended. For his bravery he was promoted to the Colonelcy of his regiment.
At Shiloh he was the bravest of the brave, and although severely wounded in the head led his men through the thickest of the fight. After this terrible engagement not one hundred men were left of the Eleventh, but rallying the few that remained and forming them on the left of the Seventieth Ohio Regiment, he again led them to the charge.
In the spring of 1863 he was promoted to the rank of Brigadier-General for distinguished services in the field at Shiloh and the siege of Corinth.
General Ransom was four times wounded. At Charlestown, Missouri, August 19th, 1861; at Fort Donelson, February 15th, 1862; at Shiloh, April 6th, 1862, and at Pleasant Hill, Louisiana, April 8, 1864. His wound at the latter place was very severe, and he returned to Chicago for rest.
He had been in continual active service almost from the outbreak of the war without any relaxation, but even before recovery feeling his presence was needed in Georgia, he again removed to the front. Sickness subse- quently brought him so low that he was again compelled to seek bis home, which he reached after intense suffering, arriving home, six miles west of Rome, in this State, and a few days afterwards died. His body was carried to Chicago where it was interred with impressive ceremonies. He had not reached the age of thirty when he died. Was handsome, brave, enthusiastic and manly, courageous as a lion and tender as a woman, respected by all who knew him, and the idol of his men.
JOSEPH GORDON.
THE subject of this sketch was born on the 14th day of February, A. D. 1802, in the County of Monaghan, Ireland. He is the only son of Robert and Agnes Gordon, both now deceased. He received such an education as the best common schools of that county afforded, and the pecuniary condi- tion of his parents would allow. All the knowledge acquired by him was by perseverance and self-culture. He did not have the aid of High Schools or colleges, but carried his own way through the difficulties of life.
His father left him at the age of seventeen years, to take charge of a family consisting of his mother and four sisters, whilst he came to this country to secure for them a home, where they could freely and without molestation, enjoy the blessings of civil and religious liberty, and be free from the heavy burdens imposed on them by the mother country.
Robert Gordon, the father of Joseph, came to Illinois with David Gillespie and others, and settled permanently in the Town of Edwardsville, in Madison County. Having secured a home for his family, he sent word to his son in Ireland, to sell out the property belonging to them and come directly to Edwardsville.
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HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
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Re- Joseph Gordon
The family sailed from Warren's Point, in the spring of 1821, and landed at Quebec, Canada after a voyage of six weeks. From Quebec the party proceeded to Montreal, and from thence up the St. Lawrence and across the lakes to Erie, Pennsylvania, and from there to Pittsburg on the Ohio River. On account of low water the party was detained at Pittsburg, until the spring of 1822. They started from Pittsburg on the 17th day of March of that year, and landed at St. Louis on the 13th day of April, 1822.
How great have been the changes in this country since 1821. This party were a year making the trip from Ireland to their place of destination, which can now be accomplished within three weeks. Young Joseph had a rich and varied experience in taking charge of a family consisting of a mother and three sisters, (one sister having married during the time).
The family landed at Edwardsville, their place of destination, on the next day after arriving at St. Louis. The subject of this sketch was married to Miss Letitia W. Robinson, daughter of David Robinson, on the 13th day of September, 1827. The writer had the pleasure of attending the golden wedding of these parties on the 13th day of September, 1877, and had the opportunity of wishing this worthy couple a long and happy life, and that in the providence of God, it might be possible for them to celebra e their diamond wedding. This couple have had born to them eleven children, four of whom are now living. Three are now residing in Vandalia, and the other at Lebanon, St. Clair County, Illinois.
In 1842, he was licensed and ordained as a Pastor in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and did good service whilst in that organization, as many can testify who were acquainted with him at that time.
In the spring of 1847, he united with the Alton Presbytery, and entered on the work of Home Missions, under the direction of the Missionary Com- mittees of the Presbytery and A. H. M. Society, and has labored as a mis- sionary in Southern Illinois to the present time.
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