History of Fulton county, Illinois, Part 44

Author: Chas. C. Chapman & Co
Publication date: 1879
Publisher: Peoria : C.C. Chapman & co.
Number of Pages: 1096

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John Farr, farmer and stock-raiser, see. 10; P. O., Vermont. John Farr, as well as others who bear the same name, are well known to the people of this community, where they have resided for many years. John is the second son of Cooper and Edith Farr, and was born on the old farm homestead in Astoria township, July 23, 1842. Growing up amid pioneer associations he received a good common- school education. In 1863 he was united in marriage with Miss P. Kane, daughter of Jesse Kane, a native of Ohio. Belle B. and Cooper are their two children.

John D. Fenton, city expressman, is a native of Virginia, of which State his father was also a native. He was born in 1835. His father, Nathan Fenton, was a farmer by occupation. He married Miss Mary JJ. Derry, and they had 5 children, of whom John was the second. In 1837 Nathan Fenton settled in Fulton Co., where he died. John grew up here and received a fair educa- tion. In 1855 he was united in marriage with Miss Eliazabeth Westphal, daughter of Edward Westphal, of Ohio. In 1862 Mr. F. entered Uncle Sam's service, enlisted in Co. H, 85th Ill. Inf., for 3 years ; was in the battles of Chickamauga, Kenesaw Mountain, Atlanta, Savannah, Bentonville, etc. At the close of the war he returned to AAstoria where he owns property. James and Ettie, deceased, William, Mary, Inla and Dora are the children born to him and wife.

Edward Foster, farmer, see. 18; P. O., Vermont. Upon the 18th of Aug., 1818, there was born to Edward and Ann ( Woodrow) Foster in the State of Maryland a son, the subject of this biography. His father was a wheelwright by trade, but in after years he farmed. Edward was the oldest of a family of 5 children. At the age of 16 he went with his parents to Ohio. In 1842 he took unto himself a wife in the person of Miss Mary Mercer, who became the mother of 6 children, all of whom are living. In 1851 Mr. F. came to Astoria and bought a small farm which has grown to 160 acres. Nov. 12, 1859, Mrs. F. was laid at rest in Salem cemetery. In 1861 he married a sister of his first wife, Miss Sarah A. Mercer, who bore him one child. Mrs. Sarah Foster died in 1876. In 1878 he contracted marriage with Miss Emma Green, of Fayette county, Pennsylvania.

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HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY.

William Foster, farmer, sec. 18; P. O., Vermont ; is a native of Noble Co., O., where he was born Ang. 25, 1843. He was 8 years of age when his parents settled in Fulton Co., where young Foster passed his youth among pioneer associates, many of whom are now substantial farmers. Aug. 8, 1862, he enlisted in Co. F, 84th Ill. Inf., under command of Col. Waters. Proceeding to the front from Quincy he participated in the most noted battles of the great war, as Stone River, Lookout Mountain, Mission Ridge, etc. The regi- ment remained under fire, during Sherman's march to the sea, for 105 days. Some months after the fight at Nashville, Mr. F. was honorably discharged, and returned to his old home and has since followed farming. Oct. 11, 1866, he was married to Miss Frances, daughter of Jacob Derry. The children born of this marriage are Clara B. and Minnie R.

O. P. Fry, farmer and stock raiser, sec. 9; P. O., Astoria. The grandfather of Oliver P. Fry was a native German, and when the Revolution began he enlisted under the banner of the new Repub- lic. Long prior to the war he came to Pennsylvania. He married at the close of the war, Miss Cox, by whom he raised a family of 4 children. Andrew Fry, the father of O. P., the second child, in youth became employed in a machine shop and helped to build the first boiler in Brownsville, Pa. He came to Knox Co., O., where he married Susanna Cramer, who bore him 3 children, 2 of whom yet survive. In 1845 Andrew Fry came to Astoria tp., began to farm, and proved successful ; he died during the winter of '78. The death of Mrs. F. occurred 4 years prior to that of her husband. Oliver was born in Coshocton Co., O., Feb. 18, 1824. In 1869 he was married in Rushville to Miss Lucy, daughter of Dr. E. Clark. Mr. Fry has held many of the official positions of his township and always with satisfaction.

G. W. Gain, farmer, sec. 19; P. O., Ray, Schuyler Co. G. W. Gain is the youngest child born of the marriage of James W. Gain to Matilda Sergeant. James Gain was a native of England and probably followed the occupation of a baker, as this was his calling for a number of years after his arrival in America, which was about 1840. He came from New York city to Schuyler Co., Ill., and en- gaged in farming. He died in that county in the thirty-fifth year of his age. With his wife, who is still living, he left a family of 3 children. George was born in Schuyler Co., in 1843. When the war broke out he enlisted in Co. B, 119th Ill. Inf., and participated in 8 battles. He was among the last who left Uncle Sam's service, being honorably discharged in Aug., 1865. He married, in Oct., 1866, Miss Melissa H. Mayo, by whom he has 4 children,-William, Mary E., George W. and Ettie. In 1869 he bought his present farm and moved to this county.

Robert Gale is a native of England, where he was born in 1836. In 1867 he was united in marriage near London with Miss Eliza Wade, daughter of Robert and Mary Ann Wade, by whom he has

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HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY.

four children,-William, Elizabeth, Caroline and Amelia. Robert Gale is the son of John and Elizabeth (Shaw) Gale, and was the eldest of a family of 11 children. He was raised on a farm. In 1869 he crossed the Atlantic for the New World and landed in Canada. He made his way to Chicago, thence to Stark Co., and after a short residence there located in this tp., where he continues to reside, on sec. 35 ; he is engaged in farming. P. O., Astoria.

Caleb W. Gibbs, deceased, was a well-known resident of this county. He was born in Fayette Co., Pa., Mar. 14, 1821. His father, Jonah Gibbs, was also a native of the Keystone State. Ca- leb Gibbs nited in marriage, Oct. 3, 1848, with Miss Sarah, daugh- ter of Booth MeCormick. In 1844 Mr. G. came to Astoria tp., and the following autumn purchased a farm of 80 acres, to which he has added more. His death occurred May 22, 1877. Mr. G. is de- scribed as a model farmer, an upright citizen and an honorable busi- ness man. To the care of his wife he left 3 children, -Alfred, Melinda and Allen D. Mrs. Gibbs was born in Pennsylvania April, 9, 1831.

John A. Gilliland; farmer, sec. 6; P. O., Vermont ; is a native of Missouri, where he was born Dec. 9, 1823. His father, Hiram A. Gilliland, was a native of North Carolina, and in an early day moved to Missouri, where he was united in marriage to Miss Matil- da M. Seeley, daughter of Eziekel Seeley. There were born of this marriage 11 children, 10 of whom grew to mature years. John was the second son. On attaining his majority in 1845, located at Rushville, this State, and shortly afterwards moved to Springfield, where he learned the brick and stone-mason trades. He soon be- came quite extensively engaged as a contractor and builder. April 14, 1854, he was united in marriage with Miss Lucinda Owen, daughter of Dr. Owen, one of the original founders of Astoria. In 1855 Mr. G. purchased the tannery situated at Astoria and owned by John Boyd. He was quite successful here and gained the confi- dence of the people by honest dealing. He then became a partner of W. H. Green in the harness trade, having sold his tannery to Chas. Chaddock, and dissolving partnership with Mr. Green in 1867 he purchased 100 acres of land in Astoria township, and now owns 140 acres. He has held many local offices. Of the marriage above referred to 4 children were born, three of whom are living,-James H., Chas. C. and Ernest A.

W. A. Grady, baker and confectioner, arrived in Astoria March 10, 1879, and has already succeeded in building up a large local trade. He was born in Fairfield Co., O., Aug. 1, 1847. His father, Oliver Grady, was a native of Pennsylvania and a tailor by occupation ; he moved to Ohio in an early day, where he was married to Miss Eliza- beth Hoopes, by whom he had 3 children ; W. A. the eldest. W. A. grew up in Ohio and came to Ill. in 1871, and settled in Ver- mont. In 1873 he was united in marriage with Miss Harriet, daughter of Aaron Hickson, of Va. Hattie M. and William R. are their children.

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HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY.

Daniel Haffner, farmer and stock-raiser, was born near the Shen- andoah Valley in the Old Dominion, in 1814. His father, Andrew Haffner, was a native of the Keystone State. He moved to Vir- ginia early in life, and there married Mary Tharbaugh, by whom he had 10 children, 9 of whom grew to mature years, and 3 of whom are living at present,-Daniel, Samuel, a farmer of this township, and Margaret, the wife of Samuel McClung, also of this township. Daniel grew to manhood in Virginia, and married Miss Diana Lutz. Eight children blessed the union, 7 of whom are living,-Balscer, Catharine P., Sarah R., Samnel H., Betsy H., William and Andrew. In 1852 Mr. H. landed in this township and purchased 160 acres of land, but now owns more.

John W. Hall & Son, attorneys at law. The senior member of this firm is t well-known lawyer. He was born in Va. March 22, 1833. When still a youth he accompanied his parents to Licking Co., O., and at the city of Granville he fitted himself for the business pursuits of life, and for a number of years worked at the tailor's trade. But he had a desire to become an attorney and studied late and early, and for three years read under P. W. Gallagher, a talented attorney. In 1855, in Fulton county, he was married to Miss N. C. Taylor ; in 1854 settled at Cuba. From there he went to Bush- nell and was appointed Postmaster by Pres. Lincoln. Rosigning he went to Chillicothe, Mo., and was appointed on U. S. Secret Service. After the war, went to Elmwood, then to Cuba, both places as a merchant, and after much travel settled in Astoria in 1877. Of the marriage above spoken of 6 children were born, of whom but one survives, E. C., the law partner of his father.

James L. Haney, farmer, see. 5; P. O., Vermont. James Haney was born in Favette Co., Pa., in Aug., 1852. In 1857 his parents located in Fulton Co., where James received a good common-school education. In 1878 he was united in marriage with Miss Edith A. Nelson, daughter of J. O. Nelson, of this county.

Lewis Haney, farmer and stock-raiser, sec. 5; P. O., Vermont ; was born July 1, 1819. His father, Samuel Haney, was a farmer by occupation, and married Miss Rachel Moore. They reared a fam- ily of ten children. Lewis, the seventh child of this marriage, re- ceived a common-school education, and from boyhood engaged in agricultural pursuits. In 1844 he was married to Miss Mary Ann Ridgely of Pa. This union has been blessed with 4 children, 3 of whom are living,-Caroline, John S. and Perry B. In Dec., 1850, Mrs. H. was laid at rest in the village cemetery. The following year he was married to Miss Ann Moulton, by whom he had 5 children, 4 of whom are living,-JJames L., Mary _1., Rebecca V. and Margaret M. In 1857 Mr. H. settled in this township.

Samuel Heath, farmer and stock-raiser, sec. 21; P. O., Astoria. The above-named gentleman ranks among the good farmers of this township. He was born in Alleghany Co., Pa., Dee. 19, 1832. At an early day his parents emigrated to Ohio, where our subject

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HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY.

grew to manhood. In 1855 he ventured further west, locating in Astoria township, where he has since followed agricultural pursuits. He joined hands in holy wedlock with Miss Mary Landis in 1862. Five of the 8 children she has borne are living. Their names are, Alta M., May F., Wm. H. Frank E. and Ralph A.

S. A. Henderson, farmer and stock-raiser, sec. 6 ; P. O., Vermont. S. A. Henderson is numbered among the carly settlers of this town- ship. His father, William Henderson, was among the first pioneers who founded homes in Illinois ; he was born in Westmoreland Co., Pa., and followed farming from boyhood, and there united his for- tunes with those of Miss Nancy Russell, by whom he had 9 children. What is somewhat remarkable is that all of them are living. S. A. was but 10 years of age when his parents settled in Fulton Co. on farm property, where he spent his youth, receiving a liberal edu- cation ; 1860 he married Miss Hannah, daughter of John and Julia Ingle, by whom he had 9 children : 8 are living,-Edith, Alice, Lela, Marion, Elgar, Willie, Elsie and Anna. Charles is deceased.

Louis Hess, farmer, see. 28; P. O., Astoria. Lewis Hess was born in Germany in 1832. He was but 8 years of age when his parents landed in America. They settled in Maryland, where Lewis attained his majority and married Miss Mary Lindon, by whom he has 9 children. Having accumulated property in Maryland Mr. H. disposed of it in 1867 and came west, locating in Astoria township, where he first purchased 40 acres of land, and now owns 120 acres.

Samuel Hestou, deceased, was a native of Bucks Co., Pa., where he was born in 1820. Growing to manhood in that State he mar- ried, in 1840, Hannah Heaton, of England. In an early day Mr. H. with his family moved to Ohio, where he remained 8 years, and then came to Astoria township, where he resided up to the time of his death, which occurred in Nov., 1867. To the care of his wife he left 8 children,-David, Eliza, Mary Ann, Sarah JJ., Ann E., deceased, Harriet, Lydia, Christiana and Rachel.

T. M. Hettrick, of the firm of Covner & Hettrick, lumber deal- ers, Astoria. Mr. H. was born in Astoria township, in 1841. His father, Wm. Hettrick, is a resident of this township, where he is en- giged in farming. Daniel attained his majority while. living on the farm ; he acquired a good education and for a number of years taught school. In 1865 he was united in marriage with Miss Ella K. Walker, daughter of Adım Walker, of Ohio. In 1874 he moved to MeDonough Co., and during the spring of 1879 came to Astoria and purchased an interest in the lumber yard of J. B. Coyner, the well-known lumber dealer.

William Hettrick, farmer, sec. 21; P. O., Astoria. Abraham Het- trick, the father of our subject, was a native of the Keystone State, and a farmer by occupation. He loved and wed Miss Susan Wun- derly. William, who was born in March, 1813, in Penn., was her only child. At the age of 27 he went to Virginia and remained until he was 21, serving an apprenticeship in tailoring. He came

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HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY.

to Edgar Co., Ill., in 1835, and to AAstoria township the following vear, where he worked as a journeymin. He then opened a shop at Bernadotte, but soon located on a farm, and after many years of hard work he began to reap the fruits of his energy and diligence. Dec. 12, 1839, he was married to Miss Ellen, daughter of H. G. Brand. Thirteen children were born to them, 9 of whom are living,-Daniel, Susan J., Eliza E., Louisa, William, Tulessa, George, Mary and Sarah M.

G. V. Hopkins, retired physician, was born in Bourbon Co., Ky., Feb. 3, 1798; his father, Lemuel Hopkins, was a native of Penn- sylvania, and a farmer ; Garrett, the subject of this sketch, was so en- thusiastie in the study of medicine while young that he qualified himself for practice at a very early age ; in 1810 he settled in Preble Co., O., and became eminent in his practice in a short time; in 1820 he married Miss Susanna Leas, a daughter of Daniel Leas, of Little York, Pa. ; she died, and in 1831 he married Esther Oliver, of Dark Co., O .; in 1841 he came to the point where Astoria is now situated, and practiced in his profession for many years.

Fridolie Horwidel, farmer, sec. 7; P. O., Vermont. Mr. H. was born in Germany on the 6th of March, 1837. Receiving a rudi- mentary education in his native land, in 1851 he crossed the At- lantie for the New World, landing at Baltimore. He proceeded to Pennsylvania where he followed his calling, that of blacksmithing, for a number of years. In 1860 he was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Henry Riffle. She has borne him 6 children. In 1866 he settled in Fulton, where he followed farming the first year, and subsequently worked at his trade in Vermont, and in 1876 purchased his present farm.

Adam Hott, farmer, sec. 7 : P. O., Vermont. This gentleman is a native of Jefferson Co., O., where he was born July 5, 1820. Grow- ing to manhood in his native State, he was married to Miss Barbara Mushrush, by whom he had 9 children, 8 of whom are living. For many years of his life Mr. H. was a wagon-maker and has followed agricultural pursuits later in life. At the close of the Rebellion he came to Illinois and settled in Schuyler Co .; two years later he came to Fulton, where he has since resided upon his farm. Since his arrival in the West he has held local offices, and in Ohio was Supervisor.

William T. Hudnall, farmer, sec. 24; P. O., Astoria ; born June 21, 1801, in Virginia, and removed from there to Tennessee, then to Kentucky, where he was married to Miss Sarah Ann Miller. In 1848 he settled in Fulton Co., Ill., and in 1852 went to California, where he remained 6 years. Not meeting with success, he returned to his old home in this county. When the late war occurred between the States he enlisted in the 11th Ill. Cav. and served 18 months; since then he and his estimable wife have resided in this county. Their children are Samuel A., Melvina, Merrill, Sarah, Susannah, Margaret, William C. and J. Walter.

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HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY.

S. A Hunter, cabinet-maker and undertaker, is a well-known business man of Astoria. He was born in Washington Co., O., in 1851. His father, John M. Hunter, was born in Washington Co., Pa., and at the age of ten he accompanied his parents to Ohio, and at Connellsville learned the trade of cabinet-making. While a resident there he married Miss Nancy Shriver, and during the autumn of 1852 came to Astoria, where he is now engaged at cabi- net-making. Samuel acquired the trade in Astoria, proved an apt scholar, and is to-day recognized as one of the most skillful work- men in this county. In 1875 he was united in marriage to Miss Olive MeLellan, a daughter of Robert MeLellan, a former well- known agriculturist of this county. They have one child, Mabel.

James Jennings, farmer and trader, sec. 33; P. O., Astoria ; was born in Tusearawas Co., O. His father, Lewis Jennings, who is still living, upwards of 80, was born in Frederick Co., Va. In an early day his parents settled in Ohio, where Lewis married Miss Martha Moore, by whom he had 4 children,-James, Robert, Wilson and Nancy. At 35 Mr. J. left Ohio and located in Indiana where he lived for a number of years. Mrs. JJ. died in Ohio, and the second wife of Mr. J., Susan Miller, bore him 4 children,-Mary, Julia A., Anderson and William. This lady departed this life in Indiana. Mr. J. came to Fulton Co. in 1854, where he resides at present. One year prior to this James Jennings, his son, settled in Astoria tp. He was then married, having united his fortunes with Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Wm. Wheeler, of Va. There were born of this marriage 5 children,-George E., Nancy, William, Ben- jamin and Julia A. Mrs. JJ. died in 1856, and three years later he was married to Miss Delilah Doil, of Ohio.

Immer Johnson, deceased. Well and favorably known to the farmers of this county in pioncer days was Mr. Johnson. He was born in Harrison Co., O., Feb. 14, 1815, and but little of his early life is now brought to mind. He was raised upon a farm in his na- tive State. In 1835 he came to Astoria township, where he worked at his trade, that of a carpenter. He it was that built many of the cabins, and afterwards the frame buildings that were erected as the county became settled. Without doubt he erected the first church building in the township : it was for the Methodists. The second church was also built by him; it was for the United Brethren. He was united in marriage in 1839 with Miss Priscilla Buck, of Ohio. He then built a hewn-log house, one rather more comfortable than those generally in use. During the spring of 1857 he sold his property and went to Texas, where he remained until 1865 : then he returned and bought 240 acres of land in this township. Mr. J. was not only a prosperous farmer, but one of the most generous of men. He was an exemplary Christian and gave freely to help support all re- ligious denominations. He died 13 years ago and his remains wore consigned to rest on the farm property. To the care of his wife he left 2 children,-Lydia, who has since died, and Thomas, who resides on the old homestead.

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HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY.

John Kidd, deceased. For many years John Kidd was a well- known business man of Astoria. He was a native of York Co., Pa., where he was born in 1814. While a resident of that State he en- tered actively into business and for a number of years carried on a good trade. In 1841 he was united in marriage with Miss Julia Ann Reynolds. In an early day he moved to DuPage Co., III., where he engaged in farming. In 1852 he disposed of his farm property and moved to Astoria, where he purchased mill property from a man by the name of Bacon. For a number of years he was busily engaged at Astoria, when he coneluded to locate on Sugar creek, where he met with great misfortune, owing to the explosion of his mill. June 23. 1868, he was laid at rest in the Astoria ceme- tery, leaving to the care of his estimable wife 7 children,-Harriet, Cyrilla, Lucy A., Lovina, Amanda, Addie and Frank.

George W. Kost, merchant. When Mr. K. came to Astoria it was not the bustling town it now is,-not half so large and no enter- prise displayed. He, in conjunction with his brother William Kost, built the Fulton Flouring Mills. At the expiration of three years he retired from milling and erceted what was then the best business block in town, and became a merchant. Since then he has been ex- tensively engaged in the dry-goods and grocery business. He takes a deep interest in Astoria and has the confidence of the entire community. This summer he erected one of the finest residences in the place. He is a consistent member of the Christian Church, and for a long period has been one of the active officials of the Astoria congregation. In 1852 he was united in marriage to Miss Susanna S. Nelson, by whom he has 5 children,-Frank, Laura, Ira, Charley and Fred.

John Kost, farmer and stock-raiser, see. 7 ; P. O., Vermont. The ancestry of this family are traced back to Pennsylvania. The father of John was a farmer by occupation, and for a number of years transacted a successful business as a tanner. He was married to Miss Elizabeth Suyder first, and his second wife was Miss Mary Tuckey. John Kost was the second child born of the first mar- riage. He learned the carpenter's trade in Penn., and was married there in 1843 to Miss Barbara Hersey. In 1851 he located in As- toria township, where he purchased a quarter-section of land, which he set about improving. Year by year he has added to his posses- sions and now owns large tracts of land in Illinois, Iowa and Mis- souri. It is generally supposed that Mr. Kost is the wealthiest ag- rienlturist in the township ; but his possessions have by no means dwarfed a naturally generous disposition. Mrs. Kost died in 1858 and was laid at rest in the Vermont cemetery. In 1859 he was married to Catharine Lark, who bore him 4 children. But few men have begun life under more discouraging circumstances and few have succeeded better.

William Kost, miller and stock dealer, is a native of Cumberland Co., Pa., where he was born in 1830; his father, John Kost, was by

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HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY.

occupation a farmer and blacksmith, who moved to Knox Co., O., in 1832; his wife was Mrs. Elizabeth (Wolf) Kost. During the infancy of William Kost his father died, leaving to the care of Mrs. K. 10 children. In a new country with so large a family we well know she had a hard struggle, but was never discouraged. She labored faithfully and in the declining years of life she lived in affluence. She died near Mt. Vernon, O., at the age of 77. Early in life William learned the trade of carpenter, and in 1850 conelud- ed to come west, and accordingly came to this county, where he erected many buildings. In 1856 he was married to Miss Martha M. Bottenberg. After a residence of 12 years in Vermont and vicinity he settled at Astoria, where he erected in conjunction with others the Fulton Flouring Mills, which has 3 run of stone on local trade. Associated with him is Mr. Nicholas Hipsley. In 1874 he ereeted his present handsome residence.

John M. Lane, liveryman, located in Astoria March 15, 1874. Four years ago he purchased ground on the northeast corner of the square where he erceted his present large stables ; since which time he has had control of a large proportion of the livery business of Astoria, running from 9 to 12 head of horses and carrying a good stock of the best-make buggies and carriages. Mr. L. was born in Missouri and passed his boyhood and youth in Cuba, where he received a fair education. With little exception he has been a life-long resident of Fulton Co. In Aug., 1867, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary Milligan, who passed through the portals into eternity on the 19th of Jannary, 1879.

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History of Fulton county, Illinois, Part 44

Author: Chas. C. Chapman & Co Publication date: 1879 Publisher: Peoria : C.C. Chapman & co. Number of Pages: 1096

Author: Chas. C. Chapman & Co
Publication date: 1879
Publisher: Peoria : C.C. Chapman & co.
Number of Pages: 1096