USA > Illinois > Ford County > History of Ford County, Illinois : from its earliest settlement to 1908, Vol. II > Part 11
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MR. AND MRS. GEORGE H. HIDDLESON
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course of years waving fields of grain have taken the place of the native prairie grasses and the wild flowers that formerly covered the country-side. In addition to tilling the soil he also raises some stock of good grades and thus adds materially to his income.
On Christmas day of 1867 Mr. Hiddleson was united in marriage to Miss Amanda Inscho, who was born in Bristol township, Kendall county, Illinois, January 29, 1844, a daughter of Sammuel Inscho. This marriage has been blessed with five children : Sarah, who is now the widow of Peter Seroy and resides in IIerscher with her two children: Minnie, the wife of Nephy Olson, of Broughton township, Livingston county, by whom she has three children; Cyrus, who resides in Norton township, Kankakee county, and has two children; Elizabeth, who is the wife of Guy Aldrich, of Cabery and has one child; and Frank, who resides upon the home farm. Ile is also married and has one child.
Mr. Hiddleson gives his political allegiance to the democracy and is recog- nized as one of the leading members of the party in this locality. He has served as township highway commissioner for over thirty-three years, continuing in the office until the spring of 1907. What stronger proof of his capability and fidelity could be given than the fact that he has so long remained in this position. For twenty-one years he has been a school director and the cause of education finds in him a stalwart friend. Mr. Hiddleson is numbered among the old settlers of the county, having for forty-one years resided within its borders, years that have witnessed remarkable changes here as the county has been converted from a western frontier district into one of the leading counties of this great commonwealth. He has done much for its agricultural develop- ment and has withheld his support from no movement or measure calculated to prove of general good. Moreover, the standard of life that he set up for himself has been one that has commanded for him the confidence and respect of his fellow citizens.
HUGH DUNNAN.
IIugh Dunnan is a retired farmer and one of the large landowners of Dix township. From his extensive realty holdings he derives a gratifying annual income and, moreover, deserves much credit for his success which has mainly been acquired through his own well directed efforts. A native of
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Pennsylvania, he was born in Lawrence county, April 4, 1839, his parents being John and Ann (Smiley) Dunnan, natives of Ireland and Pennsylvania respectively. The father was twice married but there were no children of the first marriage and after the death of his wife he wedded Miss Smiley in 1825 or 1826. Two of their children died in infancy, while those who reached adult age were: James A., now deceased, while his family resides at Mount Sterling, Iowa; Samuel R., living in Lisbon, Ohio; Robert S., who was a soldier of the United States army in the war of the Rebellion and died before Richmond, Virginia, in 1862; Hugh, of this review ; and John, who resides at the old farm homestead at Mt. Jackson, Pennsylvania.
ITugh Dunnan was educated in the public schools of his native county and remained with his mother until his twenty-fourth year, when he joined Company D of the Fifth Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery to aid in the defense of the Union. Serving until the close of the war, he was mustered ont in Virginia, June 30, 1865. He participated in the battles of Rectortown, Salem and Gobler's Mountain, where he assisted in capturing four of General Moseby's cannon. This was the most sanguinary engagement which occurred during the months of December, January, February and March. There were also several other skirmishes with Moseby's men and when his term had expired Mr. Dunnan returned home in impaired health.
Resuming farming upon his mother's place, Mr. Dunnan there continued until 1876, at which time he was married. It was on the 19th of October of that year that he wedded Miss Eliza Jennings Wallace, a daughter of James and Mary Jane (Johnston) Wallace, who were of Scotch descent. Ancestors in the paternal line came from Scotland to America in 1812, while the maternal parents came from County Down, Ireland, in 1826. James Wallace was a miller and farmer, who was not only active in business affairs but also served his county in several offices, the duties of which he discharged with promptness and fidelity. He was overseer of the poor for twenty years or more and his long continuance in office plainly indicates his ability and fidelity. He died in June, 1888, while his wife passed away in 1894. They were the parents of twelve children, seven of whom reached adult age, namely: Thomas J., who served as a soldier of the Civil war as a member of Company C. Seventh Ohio Regiment, and is now deceased; William S., who also served in the Civil war as a member of Cooper's Battery, Pennsylvania Light Artillery, and was wounded in the seven days battle before Richmond in 1862, his death resulting there- from two years later; Margaret E., the widow of William Aiken, of Alliance, Ohio; Eliza J., now Mrs. Dunnan; Ella J., the deceased wife of William
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MeGinnis, a resident of Mount Jackson, Pennsylvania; Minerva, the wife of R. C. Gailey, of Newcastle, Pennsylvania; and Mary L., who makes her home in Chicago.
The home of Mr. and Mrs. Dunnan has been blessed with five children, as follows : James W., who is editor of the Eastern Illinois Register at Paxton ; Margaret E .; Anna Jeannette; Martha M., who has passed away; and Luella E. The parents and children are members of the United Presbyterian church and principles of honor and integrity find place in their lives and govern their conduct. Mr. Dunnan is a member of Paxton Post, G. A. R., and his wife belongs to the Relief Corps, No. 125, of Paxton. Politically he is a democrat but has never been a politician in the sense of office seeking. His entire time and attention have been concentrated upon his business affairs, which, capably directed, have brought him splendid success. His investments have been care- fully made and in all his business interests he has displayed an aptitude for successful management that makes him today one of the largest landowners of Paxton.
WYLEY J. POPLETT.
Wyley J. Poplett has resided upon his present farm on section 20, Dix township, since the spring of 1901, and has brought the place into a state of rich fertility and development, owing to his carefully directed labors and sound judgment in agricultural matters. One of Illinois' native sons, he was born in Peoria county, in 1858, and is a son of William and Clarissa (Clifton) Poplett, both of whom are living in the village of Peoria Heights. The father who was a native of Indiana, came to Illinois in his childhood days and devoted his time and energies to farming until recent years, when he retired and is now enjoying a well earned rest.
Wyley J. Poplett was the second in order of birth in a family of nine children. He is indebted to the district school system for the educational privileges he enjoyed, attending a little school about seven miles north of the city of Peoria. Through the periods of vacation he worked in the fields and as the years passed became thoroughly acquainted with the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the erops. He aided in the cultivation of the home farm until twenty-five years of age and then began farming on his own account, being thus engaged for two years prior to his marriage. In 1883 he
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won a companion and helpmate for the journey of life, Miss Anna Perkins becoming his wife. She was born in Peoria county and is a daughter of B. H. and Elizabeth Perkins, who were farming people but are now deceased, their daughter Anna being the second in order of birth in a family of seven children. Following his marriage Mr. Poplett engaged in farming in Peoria county until 1889, renting land there, after which he removed to Ford county and rented a farm in Dix township from T. J. Brassfield. In the spring of 1901 he removed to his present place, which he had purchased in July, 1900, buying one hundred and sixty acres on section 20, for which he paid seventy-five dollars per acre. He has greatly improved the place since that time, has added considerable tile each year and has converted the farm into a productive and up-to-date property. Here he raises the cereals best adapted to soil and climate and also keeps some good stock upon his place for his own use.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Poplett have been born four children, namely: Stella M., who is now attending Normal School; Ray E., who pursued a two years, course in Normal and also attended two terms in Gibson and is now teaching; Lee L., who is a student in the district school ; and Orris P.
The family is well known in the community, the parents and children having many warm friends. Mr. Poplett gives his political support to the democracy and his fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability have called him to office. He is now serving as commissioner of public highways, filling the position in the sixth year. Since 1891 he has been a member of the Odd Fellows society and he is also connected with the Modern Woodmen at Guthrie. His life has been actuated by a laudable ambition to attain snecess and as the years have passed he has achieved a measure of prosperity which has come to him as the reward of persistent, earnest and indefatigable labor, so that he has gained place with the representative agriculturists of his community.
JOHN H. NELSON.
John II. Nelson; sheriff of Ford county, and a resident of Paxton, was born in Sweden, January 24, 1853, his parents being Nels and Hannah (Hendrickson) Pearson, both of whom were natives of Sweden, where they spent their entire lives. The father, who followed the occupation of farming, died at the age of seventy-three, and his wife when seventy-four years of age.
JOHN H. NELSON
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They were the parents of nine children, of whom five are yet living, as follows : Perry H., a resident of Sibley county, Minnesota; Nels H., of Paxton, Illinois ; John H., of this review; Mrs. Anna Falk, of Sweden; and Ola, also of that country.
John H. Nelson was reared upon the home farm, acquiring his education in the public schools of his native country. Attracted by the favorable reports which he heard concerning the opportunities of the new world he came to the United States when nineteen years of age, his two elder brothers, Perry and Nels, having preceded him about a year. They were located in Paxton, where John H. Nelson joined them. He had no capital but possessed energy and determination and upon these qualities has builded his success. He was first employed as a farm hand, continuing to work in that way until 1879, when in connection with his brother Nels he began farming on his own account. They rented and cultivated a half section of land and for six years continued successfully to carry on general agricultural pursuits. On the expiration of that period, in 1885, John H. Nelson started for his old home, sailing on the 6th of March for Europe. He spent the summer in his native country, visiting relatives and friends and then returned to the United States in the fall, after which he and his brother Nels purchased a livery barn, and engaged in buying and selling horses. This business was conducted as a profitable enterprise for ten years when the partnership was dissolved and the barn sold.
Mr. Nelson of this review afterward took up the work of buying and selling cattle and hogs, with which he was identified until the fall of 1906. when he was elected to the sheriff's office, having the distinction of being the only democrat ever chosen to this position in Ford county since 1870. His official record, however, has ever been one characterized by the utmost fidelity and capability. He was elected a member of the board of aldermen of Paxton at a time when there was not a paved street nor a sewer in the city. He believed in improvements and took a firm stand in support of progressive public movements. To his official duties he brought the same spirit of enter- prise and progress which have marked his business career. He was made chairman of the streets and alley committee, and while he met bitter antag- onism in those who fought all publie expense, he received the endorsement of the public-spirited citizens of his ward and was successively elected to office, serving continuously for thirteen years. During this time he was largely instrumental in securing the paving of the streets and other improvements which have resulted most beneficially for Paxton. Indeed the city owes to
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him a debt of gratitude for what he accomplished along that line. In his present position he is fearless in the discharge of his duties, his course com- manding the confidence of all law abiding citizens and the fear of all those who do not hold themselves amenable to the laws of the land.
Mr. Nelson was married in 1892 to Mrs. Ada Swanson, a daughter of Andrew Anderson, one of the early settlers and merchants of Paxton and the democratic candidate for sheriff of the county in 1866. Mr. and Mrs. Nelson have one daughter. Helen Frances. The family are members of the Swedish Lutheran church and have a large circle of warm friends in Paxton and the county. Mr. Nelson is prominent in fraternal circles, belonging to Paxton Lodge, No. 116, A. F. & A. M .; Ford Chapter, No. 160, R. A. M .; Mount Olivet Commandery, No. 38, K. T .; and Mahomet Temple of the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, at Peoria, Illinois. His residence in the county covers a period of more than a third of a century, and has been marked by uniform devotion to the publie good, by activity and enterprise in business and by a fidelity to every public trust. He is today one of the well known and prominent citizens of this section of the state.
E. S. HUNT.
E. S. Hunt, well known in Ford county as a representative of one of the worthy and honored pioneer families of this part of the state. was born in Marshall county, Illinois, October 15, 1833. His parents were Cornelius and Ann (Sidell) Hunt, who were natives of New Jersey.
The father removed with his parents to Pennsylvania, and subsequently the family home was established in Muskingum county, Ohio, among the first settlers there. The father built a log cabin with a clapboard roof and puncheon floor and door, and in the true style of the frontier the family began their life in the Buckeye state. There they cleared a farm, and with the development of that place Cornelius Hunt was actively connected, so that pioneer experi- ences were not unfamiliar to him when he came to Illinois in 1828. Ile made a location in Vermilion county, where he lived for eighteen months, and then removed to Putnam county, purchasing a claim on which there was a log cabin. It remained his home for six years, after which he sold that property and re- moved to Marshall county, Illinois. He there purchased two hundred and twenty aeres, entering eighty acres of the timberland and paying for it the
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usual government prices. With characteristic energy he began the develop- ment of the farm, turning the first furrows in the fields and carrying on the labor of general agriculture for fourteen years. Ile then rented his Marshall county land and purchased a farm in La Salle county, near Lostant. To this place he removed and made it his home until his death, which occurred May 12, 1874. ITis wife survived for about sixteen years, passing away in 1890. In their family were ten children, seven of whom survive, as follows: Ruth II., now the widow of Andrew Mailer and a resident of Melvin, Illinois; John S., of Melvin; Jane, the widow of James Dixon, also of Melvin; E. S. of this review ; Elizabeth, the widow of George Dixon, who resides in Melvin; William J., who makes his home in the same town; and Philip, who is located in Paxton, Illinois.
In taking up the personal history of E. S. Hunt, we present to our readers the record of one who is widely and favorably known. He remained with his father until he attained his majority, acquired a common school education and was trained to the work of the home farm, lessons of industry and enterprise being deeply impressed upon his memory and constituting the secret of his later successes. When he had reached man's estate he began life on his own account by renting a farm and after two years thus passed he invested his earnings in eighty acres of land in La Salle county, Illinois, for which he paid thirteen dollars per acre. This he improved, making his home thereon until 1868, when he sold out and purchased a farm of three hundred and twenty aeres on section 1, Peach Orchard township, Ford county, on a part of which Melvin now stands. He also owns one hundred and twenty acres in Crawford county, Illinois, on which oil has been found, and he has leased the land for operation for oil for what the land cost him. He also gets one-sixth of the oil and retains the ownership of the land, so that from the property he derives a good income. He has a nice residence in the village of Melvin and during the past fifteen years he has engaged in farming with success, making a specialty of draft horses. His business interests are well managed. for he is a man of energy and determination.
On the 24th of December, 1854, Mr. Hunt was united in marriage to Miss Mary Griffin, with whom he traveled life's journey for more than a half century. IIer death occurred November 14, 1906, and two children beside the husband were left to mourn her loss, while two children of the family also passed away. The surviving daughters are: Esther A., now the wife of C. B. Ellis, who is engaged with her father in carrying on the work of the farm ; and Mary E., the wife of W. P. Shreve, a resident of Ford county.
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Mr. Hunt came to his majority just about the time the republican party sprang into existence and from the beginning he has been one of its stalwart supporters. He cast his first presidential vote for John C. Fremont and has upheld the principles of the party at the polls continuously since that time. HIe has filled various offices, including those of assessor and collector, while for the greater part of a century he has been a school director. He contributes to the support of various churches but is identified with none through member- ship relations. However, he stands for all that is progressive and his influence is ever found on the side of right, reform and improvement.
MATHEW KOERNER.
The excellent appearance of the farm on section 33. Mona township, which is owned by Mathew Koerner is due to the care and labor which he has bestowed upon the place. He has lived here for more than thirty years and now has a valuable farm property, in the midst of which stands a commodious and attractive residence. Not very far distant are substantial barns and outbuild- ings. affording ample shelter to grain and stock. Fine trees that now adorn the place were set out by him and the attractive appearance of the farm proves how industrious and energetic has been the life of Mr. Koerner through the years of his residence here.
A native of Baden, Germany, he was born on the 8th of April, 1843, and was the second in a family of five sons whose parents were Michael and Ther- essa Koerner, who spent their entire lives in Germany. Mathew Koerner remained there during the period of his minority and at the age of twenty-two years came to America, arriving in the United States in 1865. After six months spent in New York he went to Pennsylvania, where for nine months he worked in a livery stable. But thinking to find still broader business oppor- tunities in the middle west, he made his way to Woodford county, Illinois. where he joined relatives who were residing there. For three years he again provided for his support by working as a farm hand by the month and after his marriage he rented land in Woodford county for seven years, thus gaining his start in life. His unremitting industry and his careful expenditure brought him the capital that enabled him to purchase eighty aeres of land on section 32. Mona township, in 1877. He gave thirty dollars per acre for this property, which is today worth one hundred and fifty dollars. Two years ago
MR. AND MRS. MATHEW KOERNER
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he erected his present large and commodious residence, containing nine rooms. It is built in modern style of architecture and is one of the pleasant homes of the township. He has also added substantial barns and sheds to the place and has planted many beautiful trees. Ilis life since 1877 has been devoted to the further development and improvement of this property and he also owns a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Woodford county, which he purchased two years ago. He raises considerable cane and each fall engages in the manu- facture of molasses. Possessing much natural mechanical ingenuity, he can do almost anything with tools, has a good blacksmith shop upon his place and also works in wood, his ability in mechanical lines enabling him to keep every- thing upon his place in a state of good repair and improvement.
In 1870 was celebrated the marriage of Mathew Koerner and Miss Agatha Summers, who was born in Woodford county, Illinois, October 25, 1852, a daughter of John and Mary Summers, who were natives of Germany. In their family were three daughters and four sons. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Koerner have been born the following named : John, of Mona township; Frank, who is working in Walnut Grove but resides at home; Ed, William, Louis and Dan, all at home; Maggie, the wife of Louis Ginter, of Pella township; Ann, the wife of John Horn of Mona township; Theressa, the wife of Charles Horn, who is a mail carrier and resides at Cullom ; Mary, the wife of John Carney, of Cullom ; Lena, at home; and Katie, the wife of Fred Goetz, who is living on her father's farm in Woodford county.
Mr. Koerner is a democrat in his political views and has served as school and road officer, yet is not a politician in the sense of office seeking. He is, however, never remiss in the duties of citizenship but gives loyal support to every measure and movement calculated to prove of public good. He belongs to the Catholic church of Cullom and is a self-made man whose strong purpose and unfaltering diligence have unlocked for him the portals of success.
IRA W. HAND.
Ira W. Hand is now living retired in Piper City but for many years was closely identified with the farming interests of Ford county. He has made judicious investment in property in Minnesota, from which he derives a good income. Since 1902 he has resided in Piper City and the rest which has come
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to him is well merited. A native of the Empire state, he was born near the city of Utica in Oneida county, New York. April 1, 1831, his parents being Seth and Irene (Runyan) Hand.
The father was a native of Vermont, born May 20, 1807, but in his boyhood he became a resident of York Mills. Oneida county, New York, and throughout his business career was there engaged as overseer in cotton mills, following that pursuit until his death, which occurred on the 19th of December, 1845. His wife, who was born in New York. December 9, 1810, long survived him, passing away in Herkimer county, that state, in August. 1891, when in her eighty-first year. Three of their children yet survive: Thaddeus. Ira and Charles, while one son, William Harrison, who reached adult age, died in Little Falls, New York.
No event of special importance occurred to vary the routine of life for Ira W. Hand in his early youth. He was, however, but fourteen years of age at the time of his father's death and was then forced to start out in life on his own account. Previous to this time he had attended the public schools to some extent but was largely educated in night schools. His record has always been characterized by intense and well directed activity up to the time when his former successes justified his retirement from business cares. While still living in the east he was married to Miss Harriet Seeber. a native of Montgomery county. New York, and a daughter of David and Lana (Yordon) Seeber, who were of German descent. Both of the grandparents of David Seeber served in the Revolutionary war. The parents of Mrs. Hand spent their last days in Sandwich, De Kalb county, Illinois. Their daughter Harriet was reared in Boonesville, Oneida county, New York, and following their marriage, which ocenrred on the 23d of Angust, 1853, Mr. and Mrs. Hand remained residents of the east for three years, when in 1856 they sought a home in Illinois, settling first in De Kalb county. In the east he had been employed at factory labor and his industry and careful expenditure enabled him to acquire the capital that justified his purchase of a farm on coming to Illinois. He lived in De Kalb county until 1859. when he removed to La Salle county and two years later he purchased and located upon a farm in Livingston county. There he was engaged in carrying on general agrienltural pursuits at the time of the outbreak of the Civil war and with deep interest watched the progress of events in the south
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