History of Fulton county, Illinois, Part 45

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

USA > Illinois > Fulton County > History of Fulton county, Illinois > Part 45

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

M. K. Lerer, proprietor of one of the leading meat markets of Astoria. In many ways he has proved himself a live business man. Last winter he erected an ice-house of large capacity, and is fully prepared to furnish the citizens of Astoria with the choicest ents of meat always fresh and nice. He was born in Pennsylvania in 1851. His father, Sunnel Lerew, was of French origin ; he died when our subject had attained only his seventh year, and in consequence but little is known of his early life. At 18 Michael left Pa. for Ill. and located at Astoria. He first entered into business upon his own account in 1873. During that year he married Miss Kate Heltzel, a dinghter of Jonas Heltzel. They have two chidren.

William Lewis, farmer, see. 35; P. O., Astoria. Mr. L. is a native of Kentucky and a son of Wilson and Mahala (Turner) Lewis. His father is a prominent farmer of this county. William was born in 1844 and was the third child of a family of 7. He was 9 years of age when his family settled here, and this he has since made his home. 1870 he was wedded to Rebecca Savers. George and Harvey were born to them. In 1877 Mrs. L. died and her re- mains were consigned to earth in Astoria cemetery. In 1878 Mr. L. united his fortunes with those of Mary C. Turner.

Michael Lind, deceased, was a native of Pennsylvania, where he passed his childhood. He followed farming there, and was united

444

HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY.

in marriage with Miss Mary --- who has borne him 10 children, of whom 9 are living,-David, Lizzie, Mary, Abe, Susan, - Michael, Carl, Diana and Mendelia. Eleven years after his marriage Mr. L. settled in Fulton Co. Having some means he purchased 80 acres of land in Astoria township, where he resided up to the time of his demise, which occurred Sept. 14, 1872. Mr. L. is de- scribed as an industrious, honest farmer, and in his death the county lost a most valuable citizen.

James Litchfield, farmer, sec. 19; P. O., Vermont ; is the son of Leonard and Mary (Spaulding) Litchfield, and was born in the State of New York, Sept. 15, 1801. His father was a soldier in the war of 1812, and followed farming and milling during the greater portion of his life. James is the third of a family of 5 children, and on attaining his eighteenth year he moved to Coshocton Co., O., and learned the trade of manufacturing windmills. While a resident of Ohio, in 1825, he took unto himself a wife in the person of Hannah Henderson, who bore him 4 children. Mrs. L. was laid at rest in 1836, and the following year he married Miss Jane Livingston, daughter of William Livingston, a well-known early settler of Co- shocton Co. There were born to this marriage 8 children, all of whom are living,-Elizabeth, Sarah J., Harriet, Emily, Olive, Jane, Manford and Martha. On his arrival here Mr. L. lived in a small round-log cabin, the eaves of which offered a tempting roosting place for the numerous wild turkeys. He soon erected a better cabin, which answered his family for a long time.

Martin Litchfield, farmer and stock-raiser, see. 5; P. O., Vermont. Chauncey Litchfield, the father of our subject, was a native of New York State, where he followed agricultural pursuits. During the early settlement of Ohio he located in Coshocton Co. and for a number of years resided in that State ; in all probability was married there. His wife was Miss Martha Knight, who bore him 6 children, of whom Martin was the youngest. He passed his boyhood and grew to manhood in this county, receiving a liberal education. Mr. L. states that during his boyhood very little land through this section was under cultivation, and for the most part was heavily timbered. In 1858 he was married to Miss Elizabeth Polloek, daughter of David Pollock, by whom he has 8 children,-Frank, Elmer, Sophia, Lovina, Oscar, Cora, Stella and Bessie.

Lovell & Smith, dealers in groceries, queensware, etc. These gen- tlemen are among the live, enterprising merchants of Astoria. They associated themselves together only a year ago, vet have built up a large trade. The firm is successor to Argo & Lovell, who pur- chased the present property three years ago. In addition to the above line Messrs. Lovell & Smith are the only ice dealers in Astoria. Last year they stored 90 tons of fine iee. They intend to make this line a specialty and supply Astoria and surrounding country. As a firm they deserve the patronage of the people.

J. L. Lunt, farmer, sec. 22; P. O., Astoria. On the 9th of Nov.,

445

HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY.

1842, Jason L. Lunt arrived at Sharpe's Landing, Fulton Co., later he made his way to Woodland township, and purchased a quarter- seetion of land, and 6 years later moved into Astoria township. He is a native of Maine, where he was born Oct. 27, 1810. His father, Rufus Hunt, was born in the same State, where he followed farm- ing and there married Mrs. Ruth Smith, also a native of Maine and and whose ancestry were among the pioneers of New England. Of this marriage 10 children were born, and what is remarkable, all are living at the present writing. At the early age of 16 Jason shipped on board a merchant-vessel, making two voyages to Europe, and subsequently became employed in a woolen mill. Attaining his majority he again shipped before the mast, this time on Lake Erie. For several years he led a somewhat roving life, and finally, in 1842, set foot in old Fulton, where he has accumulated wealth as a farmer. In 1845 he was married to Miss JJane Derrell of Kennebunk, Me.

B. W. Lutz, agriculturist. Although not among the first settlers, yet Balseer W. Lutz as a prominent farmer is worthy. of space in a local history. He was born in Kentucky, Ang. 25, 1819, and is the eldest son of Daniel and Diana Lutz, who had moved to Kentucky from the Old Dominion State. They returned again to Virginia, where B. W. grew to manhood. April 14, 1840, he was married to Miss Eliza Ulray, who was a daughter of John Ulray and born in Rock- ingham, Va., April 5, 1817. Fourteen years later he came to As- toria, and soon purchased a portion of his present farm. He now owns 240 aeres of land rarely equaled in this portion of Fulton. Eight children were born of the marriage, 5 of whom are living,- Diana, the wife of Perry Farrow; John H., whose name appears elsewhere in this book ; J. B. C .; W. R., who married Miss Maggie Swisher ; Eliza J., who resides on the homestead.

John H. Lutz, agriculturist, was born in Va., and is the second child of B. W. Lutz, of the Old Dominion ; he was a farmer and married Miss Eliza Ulray. In 1854 Mr. L. moved his family to Ill. and settled in Astoria township, where he resides at the present time. John grew up in this county. He first purchased 200 aeres of land and now owns 360 acres. In 1869 he was married to Miss Caroline Danner, daughter of Jacob Danner, who is regarded as one of model farmers of Ill., and the owner of nearly 1,000 aeres of land. Of this marriage 4 children were born.

Solomon Lybarger, farmer and stock-raiser, sec. 9; P. O., Astoria. Mr. L. is a native of Knox Co., O., where he was born Aug. 5, 1820. His father, Dumiel Lybarger, was a native of Bedford Co., Pa .; he was a farmer by occupation, married Anna Geary, and had a family of 9 children, of whom Solomon was the oldest son. Daniel Lybarger moved to Ohio in an early time, and while living there, 1844, Solomon married Miss Rosanna Frey, and the following year he came west and located in Fulton Co., where he has since been a prominent resident. He first worked as a farm hand and two years later purchased a farm, which is one of the best improved

446

HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY.

farms in Astoria township. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Lybarger has been blessed with 11 children, 9 of whom are living,-Daniel, Walter R., Amelia, Delos, Marion, Edmond, Emma, Amanda and Elmer.

Thomas Mathewson, photographer, was born in JJefferson Co., O,. January 14, 1830. His father, Wm. Mathewson, was a thorough- going business man of Ohio, and subsequently followed farming in Ill. Thomas came to Astoria, and in 1850, while a resident of Schuyler Co., he took the California mining fever and accordingly crossed the plains, landing at Sacramento Ang. 5. While there he purchased the old Sutter saw-mill property and succeeded quite well as a miner, although engaged in the famous lawsuit growing out of this disputed property. In 1852 Mr. M. returned to Ill. and settled in MeDonough Co. In 1853 he was united in marriage to Miss Jennie, daughter of John Mathewson. Later in life Mr. M. turned his attention to portrait painting and met with wonderful snecess. In 1862, learning his present business, he settled at Astoria where he has a fine gallery. While he devotes himselfto this art Mrs. Mathew- son is no less enterprising and condnets a first-class establishment.

Samuel Marirell, farmer and stock-raiser, sec. 13; P. O., Astoria. Mr. M. is native of Fulton Co., and was born on the old homestead of his parents Nov. 3, 1844. His father, James Maxwell, is well remembered by the pioneers of this section ; he was born in Bartel Co., Va., and in an early day moved to Ohio and there followed farming. There he married Miss Polly Corbett, by whom he raised a family of 5 children, Samuel the youngest. In 1865 Samuel en- listed in Co. G, 155th regiment. In 1872 he was united in mar- riage with Miss Sarah Bricker, daughter of Amos Bricker. They have had 3 children, of whom two are living,-Florence A. and Minnie M.

Edward Me Clelland, farmer, and stock-raiser, sec. 24; P. O., Astoria. Edward MeClelland is one of the leading farmers of this township, where he was born July 18, 1849. Robert and Priscilla McClelland were his parents. In 1870 he was united in marriage with Miss Rebecca Teter, daughter of Noah and Catharine Teter. Lutie and Carrie are their children. Mr. MeC. is the owner of a fine farm property of 149 acres.

John Mc Clelland, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in this county in March, 1840. His father, Robt. MeClelland, of whom we speak above, was born in Ireland and came to America nearly half a century ago. He at first settled in Ohio, then came to Bond Co., Ill. John grew to manhood in Fulton Co., and remembers the time when Astoria was composed of only a few plainly constructed houses. At such odd times as the duties of the farm would permit he attended the district schools. In 1865 he was united in mar- riage to Miss A. Hopkins, a daughter of G. D. Hopkins, a well- known early settler of this county. There were born of this mar- riage 4 children,-Laura M., Esther H., Albert J. and E. M.

447

HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY.

Mrs. McC. died in 1872, and in 1874 he was married to Miss T. M. Bartholow. They have two children : Emily and Robt. C.

Mrs. Priscilla Mc Clelland, reliet of Robert MeClelland, was born in Jefferson Co., O., in 1814. In an early day her parents moved to Ill. Her maiden name was Marshall, and she was mar- ried June 30, 1836, to Robert McClelland, a native of Ireland, who was born in 1801. But little of his carly life is known; his father died when he had attained his twelfth year, and thus while young he was thrown upon his own resonrees. He learned the trade of a weaver, and at 19 crossed the ocean for America. He went to N. J., but did not long remain there; he came to Illinois prior to the Black Hawk war, and soon afterward came to Astoria township and engaged in farming. Mr. MeClelland was a farmer of uncommon energy and set to work making a farm in the timber, and how well he succeeded in life is well known to the business and farming community. When his life's labors drew to a close there were others besides near and dear relations who missed the familiar face.

Finley Mc Cormick, farmer, see. 8; P. O., Vermont. Among the more substantial farmers and early residents of Fulton Co., Finley McCormick deserves a place. He was born in Fayette Co., Pa., Oct. 13, 1823. His father, Booth MeCormick was a farmer in Pennsylvania and there passed the remainder of his life. In 1855 Mrs. MeCormick settled in Astoria tp., and the subject of this sketch came the following year. He had married in the Keystone State, Miss Ann Hogsett in 1848. Having purchased a farm the year of his arrival, Mr. MeC. set about making a home and through well directed efforts has succeeded. There were born of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. McCormick 8 children, 7 of whom are living,-Ella, Lizzie, Alice, Ross, Chas. E., Robert F. and Jane.

Harrey Mc Cormick, farmer and stock-raiser, sec. 9; P. O., Ver- mont. Mr. MeCormick ranks among the prominent farmers of Ful- ton Co. He was born in Fayette C)., Pa., 33 miles above Pitts- burg, April 30, 1819. His father, Booth McCormick, came from Ireland in an early day and settled in New Jersey, where he mar- ried Miss Phoebe Wheaton, by whom he has had 11 children. Dur- ing the carly settlement of Pennsylvania he located in Fayette Co. Owing to the limited means of his parents and the poor advantages, he received only a meager education ; he has, however, by personal exertion and observation gained much knowledge. In 1845 he married Miss Elizabeth Hogsett, of Pa. He followed farming in Pa., and in 1853 came to Astoria tp., where he purchased 160 acres. He set to work in his Western home and soon displayed more than ordinary skill as a farmer. Step by step he accumulated land and other property, and now he owns over 800 aeres of valu- able land. Of the marriage above referred to 7 children were born,-Clark, Irwin, Amzie, Finley, Thomas B., Benton, Ella and Ida.

448

HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY.

Samuel W. Me Cune, station agent of the C., B. & Q. Railroad. This gentleman is one of the most courteous agents of this great corporation. He was born at Bloomington, Monroe Co., Ind., July 27, 1852. H, was edu tel at Bloomington, this State. While residing in Indiana, he selected as his future profession that of tele- graphy. He accordingly proceeded to Terre Haute, where, and in other cities, he became an apt pupil, and in time a skillful operator. By the Peoria & Springfield R. R. Co. he received the offer of a situation in the company's office at Pekin. There he gained the esteem of his superiors in the capacity of agent. He remained there for over a year, when he became employed by the C., B. &Q. R. R. at Astoria. Since here, he has proven himself a capable busi ness man and keeps pace with the times. In 1874 he was marrie- to Miss Mattie, daughter of John H. Ramsey, of Ind. They had one child, R. L., born at Crawfordsville, Ind.

John Mc Laren, agriculturist, is a native of Scotland, where he was born in Oct., 1818. His father, Robert McLaren, was a farmer by occupation and who married Miss Mary Gory, by whom he had 7 children. He crossed the Atlantic with his family in 1823, land- ing at Philadelphia. He remained but a short time there when he settled in Gibson Co., Ind. Six months thereafter he died. For 6 years Mrs. McLaren, who was a lady of uncommon energy, labored hard to support her family. In 1827 she came to this Co. and set- tled near Astoria, in what is now Woodland tp. The country was rough, their nearest neighbor lived miles away and the only means of grinding grist was in a rude horse-mill situated near Rushville. In 1843 John was married to Miss Nancy H. Clapper of Kentucky, by whom he had 12 children, 8 of whom are living,-Martin A., William B., Robert H., John T., Lucinda J., Oliver J., Chas. E. and Nancy M.

R. F. Mc Laren, Justice of the Peace, was born in Woodland township, this county, in 1835. His father, Peter MeLaren, who resides in Woodland tp., has lived in Fulton county upwards of half a century. He holds a leading position as a farmer and is well known throughout this section. Robert, whose name heads this sketch, passed his boyhood in Woodland, and in his eighteenth year was apprenticed to learn the wagon and carriage-making trade, and for a number of years worked as a journeyman in Astoria. He has served as Town Clerk, School Director and a member of the Town Board, and in 1869 was elected J. P. In 1857 he was mar- ried to Miss Amanda Lane, daughter of Isaac Lane, of Ky. They have 2 children.

Robert Me Luren, farmer and stock-raiser, sec. 25; P. O., Astoria. In relating the life experience of Robt. MeLaren we go back to a period of time in pioneer history when scarcely a fence broke the monotony of a boundless prairie. He was born in Scotland, in Nov., 1816, and when 6 years of age his parents landed in America. He spent a portion of his youth in Indiana. His mother, who had

SÅchapman

ASTORIA

LIDAMAY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS.

451

HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY.

lost the partner of her life, located in Fulton Co. in 1827. Two years previously, however, Robert accompanied Daniel MeNeil, a well-known carly pioneer of the West, and who settled near what is now Astoria. He lived with this family for many years and de- seribes this and adjoining townships as being heavily timbered, no prairie for many miles around. In 1839 he was nited in marriage with Miss Martha Klepper. In 1838, in company with John McLa- ren he purchased property to the amount of 160 acres. In pioneer days he suffered many inconveniencies, but his health was good, the land was productive, markets were many miles away of course, and compensation for raising produce was small : still he lived hap- pily. They have had 9 children born to them, 8 of whom are living, -William H., Mary E., Jane, Peter J., Parker, Thomas F., Mar- tha, and Hester A ; Naney being dead.

T. M. Mercer, contracter and builder, came to Astoria four years ago, and has succeeded in building up a large trade, frequently working from 6 to 20 men, most of them being skilled workmen. He has erected many fine structures both in town and throughout the surrounding country. He completed the magnificent buildings on Broadway occupied by Dilworth Carter's dry-goods house, Mooney's drug-store, the bank building, also Bounel Bros., and many other of the fine buildings that grace the town. During the 4 years he has resided here he has received and continues to receive large orders from residents of both town and country to which he gives his special personal attention.

(". S. Merrill, of the firm of W. B. Merrill & Bro., book dealers, became established in business in Astoria in connection with W. B. Merrill, deceased, in 1875, and opened their business first in the postoffice building. They erected their present building in 1876. W. B. Merrill, the senior member of the firm, died April 3, 1879. Since that date Mr. C. S. Merrill has been at the head of the estab- lishment, which will compare favorably with any of this line in Fulton Co.

Henry Merrill, farmer and stock-raiser, see. 24; P. O., Astoria. Mr. Merrill is one of the leading agriculturists of this county and bears the reputation of a wise, energetic business man, and an enter- prising, generous citizen. He was born in Maine April 12, 1826. His father, Israel Merrill, was also a native of that State, where he was united in marriage with Miss Lydia, daughter of Abel Merrill. The history of those who bear the name of Merrill in this section of the country is quite interesting. Sir Peter Merrill came from Eng- land and settled in Mass., and it is supposed that those who bear the name are descendants of the colony that settled there. Owing to our limited space we are compelled to note only events of those of this day and generation. Israel Merrill left his old home in Maine during the autumn of 1838, and after a long journey, mostly by water, landed in Astoria tp., and purchased 160 acres of land. Mr. M. worked early and late, and in time became comfortably sit-

452

HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY.

mater. He died Nov. 12. 1976. Mrs. M. die Sept. 10, 1857. Henry pared bin early years amid the a-existion- of pioncer life. Nov. 19. 1×17. he wa- united in marriage to Mi -- Sarah MeNeill, dangties of David Mc Neill, one of the pioneer- of this county, and a soldier of the war of 1812. We find occasion to mention this gentle- mart frequently in this work. Henry Merrill has -nerceded well in hi- chefen occupation. In 1×16 he had a farm consisting of zo aeres ; he now has 20 arre in this county, 165 in Christian Co., and land in Kan-a -. Mr. and Mr -. M. have been ble -- ed with 12 children, 9 of whom are living .- Luther M .. Ellery C., Lydia, Henry L., Belle, Hanie. Jacob. Nellie and Benjamin R. Ellery and Luther, who re- Hide on the boneread. are both married. The former married Mary E. Bell. June 1, 1875. Luther married Mary Meredith, December 19, 1878.

Joseph W. Merrill, farmer ; P. O., A-toria; is a native of Maine, where he was born April 6, 1x23. We have -poken of his parents He came with his parent- to Ill. when he was a lad 16 weare old. In 1849 he wa- united in marriage with Mi -- Melvina Hudnall, daughter of Wm. T. Hudnall. In 1852, in company with West. T. Handball, Charles Merrill, Thornton Spence and Alex. Barrow, he wanted for the golden share of the Pacific. At the end of A month- they landed at a -mall mining town called '76. After an absence of two year- Mr. M. returned and -ettled upon hi- farm. They have had four children,-Charles L., Gen., Mary and William 5. Three of their children are dead.

Luther Merrill, farmer, max. 24; P. O., Autoria. The subject of this sketch was born in Astoria town-hip, Fulton Co., in 1919. Hi- father, Henry Merrill, is one of the well-known pioneer of the county. Luther wa- united in marriage with Mi -- Mary J. Mere- dith, daughter of Joseph Meredith.

Stephen Merrill, farmer and stock-raiser, de. 19; P. O., Autoria. Time has wrought many wonderful changes in the great West, and among those who have been instrumental in its development and prospe red with it- growth in Mr. Merrill. He was born in York Can, Me, in 179%. Attaining the age of 18 he stepped before the mas and spent many years on the stormy waters of the Atlantic and won distinction in hi- nantical profi --- jon. He rose from one position to another until he wa- fir-t mate. In 1x31 he was married to Hannah F. Burnham, who died in 1832. The following year he determined to "ca-t anchor" in the then far West and accordingly came to, what is now Wewalland tp. For many years he worked hard at hi- new vocation to get a -tart in life. Lewi-town, Macomb and Ru-hville were the principal trading point -. In 1835 he mar- riedl Mi -- Elizabeth Mar-hall. Six of their eight children are liv- ing,-Hannah, William, Henry H., Angeline, Elizabeth A. and Lydia, Mr. M. is now one of the most prominent farmers of the township and display- a commendable generosity in all things worthy.

453

HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY.

John Moore, of the well-known firm of Moore Bros. & Co., pro- prietors of the Astoria Spoke and Hub Factory, is a native of Ken- tucky, where he was born Oct. 30, 1831. His father, Joab Moore, was born in the same state and came to Ill. when John was only two years old. He located in Schuyler Co., where both his father and mother passed the remainder of their days. On attaining his majority, John became employed in a saw-mill, and there gained much of the experience that enables him successfully to conduct his present large business. In 1852 he was united in marriage with Miss Maria Chipman. For 15 years Mr. M. was engaged in the lumber trade in Schuyler Co., and for 5 years ran a saw-mill in Me Donongh ; also had an interest in a flouring mill. He came to Astoria 7 years ago, and formed a partnership with John Lovell and built the present factory. At the end of 3 years Mr. L. retired from the firm, and since then he has admitted as partners L. H. Moore and Jesse Siever. Their mill building is 24x70 with a shed 16x50 feet. This is the only mill of the kind in the Co. Last vear they built an addition to the saw-mill, a spoke factory 86x70, with a shed 20x70 feet.

I. H. Moore, of the firm of Moore Bros. & Co., proprietors of the Astoria saw-mill and spoke-factory, is a native of Knox Co., Ky., where he was born in 1830. His father, JJ. L. Moore, was born in the same State, and had a liberal education, and for the greater por- tion of his life taught school, but also farmed to some extent. His wife was Leminah Kitchen, also a native Kentuckian. When our subject attained his fourth year his parents moved to Indiana and remained 2 years, when they came to Schuyler Co., Ill., near Rush- ville, where young Moore passed his early years, and in addition to farming acquired a knowledge of coopering. While there he was united in marriage with Miss O. JJ. Sellers, daughter of Thomas Sellers. Some years ago he came to Fulton Co. and purchased an interest in the saw-mill built by John Moore. This mill is quite a feature of Astoria, and a large and growing business is transacted.

Isque Myers, farmer, see. 86 ; P. O., Astoria. Among the sub- stantial farmers of Astoria township the name of Isaac Myers must not be overlooked. A native of Pennsylvania, he was born in 1841 : at the age of 18 he was apprenticed to learn the trades of stone- mason and brick-layer, and for some time taught school. During the war he enlisted in Uncle Sam's service in the State Militia for some months. Mr. M. came to Whiteside Co., Ill., where he re- mained for a time and then moved to this county. He was united in marriage with Miss Hester, daughter of John Burgard. Three of the 6 children born to them are living,-Mary C., Callie and Joseph.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

History of Fulton county, Illinois, Part 45

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