History of Fulton county, Illinois, Part 46

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 46

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R. J. Nelson, postmaster, was born near Quincy in Adams Co., Ill., May 21, 1830. His father, James Nelson, was a farmer and died at Rushville. His wife, Leah Ann Kirkpatrick, was a native of Tennessee. They had 6 children, of whom our subjeet was the eldest. He was reared in Schuyler Co., and first turned his attention,

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HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY.

after leaving the farm homestead, to broom-making and subsequently to coopering. In 1852 he became employed as a clerk in Adams Co. and also in Schuyler. In 1859 he first settled in Fulton and became a permanent resident of Astoria in 1870, when he entered the employ of W. H. Scripps. In 1872 he received the appoint- ment of Postmaster. June 22, 1864, he was married to Miss Jane A. Fackler, daughter of Franklin and Caroline Fackler.

William Nelson, retired farmer, see. 5 ; P. O., Vermont. Mr. N. although not among the carly pioneers of this Co., is one of the oldest citizens in the Co. He was born in Chester Co., Pa., in 1800. His father, Wm. Nelson, was a native of Ireland, came to this country and settled in Pa., where he married Elizabeth Cooper and reared a family of 4 children, Wm. the only surviving member. He was left alone at an early age to struggle on in the world, owing to the death of his parents. He learned the trade of a carpenter ; married Miss Anna Hackatt in 1833: came to Ohio, where he resided for 15 years. At this time glowing accounts of Ill. began to spread over the South and East, and among the many who came was the Nelson family, who landed in Astoria township. His farm was well tim- bered and it took many years to clear it. He is now 80 years of age, and resides with his son Jesse. Mrs. N. died in 1862. Jesse O. Nelson was born in 1832; in 1854 he was married to Miss Mary Farr, daughter of Cooper Farr. They had 3 children,-Edith, Vina and Emma.

Oriatt &' Robertson, proprietors of the Buckeye Saw-mill, became established in their present quarters during November of last year ( 1878). Their mill was formerly located near Summum. While transacting a most successful business, furnishing the C., B. & Q. R. R. alone 5,000 feet of lumber per day, on Oct. 24, 1878, the mill was destroyed by fire, caused by an explosion, killing one man out- right and wounding several. Messrs. Oviatt & Robertson have constructed extensive works here, and during last winter shipped 80,000 feet of walnut timber. The mill has a capacity of 5,000 feet daily, and the firm has proven their enterprise and ability as is evinced by the success attending them.

Jacob Palmer, retired farmer, settled in Woodland tp. a quarter of a century ago. He is a native of Maryland, where he was born Jan. 16, 1809. His father was also a native of Md., and in that State married Miss Susan Hiller, with whom he reared a family of nine children. George Palmer, Jacob's father, moved to Ohio, when the subject of this sketch was in his infancy. He grew up in Jefferson Co., and received a " round-log-cabin education." He lived in Virginia for 5 years and there married Elizabeth Long- streth, in Sept., 1836. He came to Ill. in 1853, and purchased 160 acres of heavily timbered land, which he set about clearing with his usual energy, and this is now a well improved farm. In 1876, he moved into Astoria and purchased town property. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. P. has been blessed with 10 children, 8 of whom

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HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY.

are living,-John, Alonzo, Joel, George, Loyd, Melissa, Mary, Ann, Alice, Susan and Sarah.

Benjamin Parry. Long years ago, when scarcely a steam-boat plowed the Father of Waters, and before the oceans were connected with iron bands, Benjamin Parry made his way to Illinois and se- leeted a home in Fulton Co. in 1835. He was born in Harrison Co., O., Dee. 6, 1814. Elsewhere we have spoken of his parents. Few have witnessed more of the stirring scenes of pioneer life than Benj. Parry and his estimable wife, to whom he was united on the 24th of Sept., 1840. She was a daughter of Edward and Ann Leaf, natives of England, as likewise Mrs. Sarah Parry. The family crossed the ocean to America as early as 1838. After a long and eventful battle in his Western home, Mr. P. has at last con- quered, and now resides in comfortable circumstances on his farm in this township. For many years he has led a consistent Christian life.

E. J. Parry, farmer and stock-raiser, sec. 27; P. O., Astoria. Enoch Parry may be said to be one of the early settlers of this county. He was born in Tuscarawas Co., O., Dec. 19, 1832, and is the son of Caleb Parry, a native of Virginia, and who settled in Sangamon Co., Ill., in 1835, and in 1840 came to this township, where he passed the remainder of his days. He accumulated con- siderable property, and was comfortably enjoying his life when called away. His wife was Miss Rebecca Engle, who was born in Virginia, and is still living, upwards of 86 years of age. Enoch grew up here and received a liberal education, which fitted him for the duties of a teacher. Subsequently he taught school for a num- ber of years. He was married to Julia Jennings, daughter of Lewis Jennings, by whom he has one child, Caleb. Mr. P. started in life with no capital, but willing hands and an energetic disposition, which has carried him successfully through life.

Lewellian Parry, farmer, sec. 1; P. O., Astoria. Caleb Parry, the father of our subject, was born in Virginia in 1798, and in that State was married to Miss Rebecca Engle. While this newly mar- ried couple were residing in Tuscarawas Co., O., Lewellian was born to them. He grew up and learned the carpenter's trade there. In 1836 he came to Illinois, settling in Menard Co. In search of employment he went to Springfield : while there he was united in mar- riage with Miss Maria, daughter of Alexander Crawford. In 1836 he came to Astoria tp., where he entered a tract of heavy-timbered land on see. 1. He was an excellent mechanic and set about to provide a home for his family. In the ercetion of a hewn-log cabin he displayed much skill, and took great pride in his new western home. He found the township but little improved and neighbors by no means plenty ; the fare was frugal ; horse-mills then in vogue, and long trips were made by Parry to them, where he patiently waited his turn. His marriage with Miss Crawford has been blessed with 6 children, 4 of whom are living.

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HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY.

William Parry, farmer. For 60 years the tide of emigration has Howed from the East and South to the West, and among those who have found homes in this county and snecceded well in life is our subject. He was born in Tusearawas Co., Ohio, June 16, 1822. His father, Caleb Parry was a native of Virginia, and removed in an early day to Harrison Co., O., where he was married to Miss Re- becca Engle, who bore him 12 children, 8 of whom still live and reside in different parts of Illinois. At the age of 16 William came with his parents to Fulton Co. Ang. 10, 1842, he was mar- ried to Miss Miranda Walker. They have 6 children. Some 36 years ago Wm. Parry began farming for himself, and how he has succeeded is well known. He is now the possessor of 656 acres of land and ranks among the leading agriculturists of the county.

David Pollock, farmer, sec. 18; P. O., Vermont. It was during the month of October, 1838, that Mr. Pollock became a resident of Fulton Co. He was born in Pennsylvania July 4, 1807. His father, David Pollock, was a native of Ireland, and at the elose of the Revolution came to America and settled in Pennsylvania, where he learned the cooper's trade, and followed farming subsequently. He contracted marriage with Elizabeth Morrow, also a native of Ireland. Of this union 6 children were born, David being the third, who grew up in Ohio, and in 1833 was wedded to Mary Mc- Millan. When Mr. P. came here he purchased 160 acres of land and began to build for himself and family a home, having only $3 or $4 in money. He for a time worked at coopering; getting a lit- tle ahead, he turned his attention to his farm and was soon on the high road to prosperity, and now owns 280 acres of land under a fine state of cultivation. Eight children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Pollock, 3 of whom perished in the late war. Mrs. P. died in 1860 and the next year Mr. P. married Miss Elizabeth Peterson. Thomas and Alexander are the children of this marriage.

Thomas W. Price, harness-maker and dealer in saddlery, is a native of New Salem, Pa., where he was born in 1846. There he partially learned his trade, and completed it in Astoria, where he moved in 1863. Until 1866 he was employed as a journeyman by Green & Gilliland, whose interest he purchased that year, and now through his well-known skill as a workman and fair dealing con- ducts the harness trade of Astoria. Mr. P. has held varions town offices of trust and responsibility, and is the present Township Treas- urer of school funds and also a member of the Town Board. In 1876 he was elected Clerk of the town. He is also Noble Grand in the Society of Odd Fellows. In 1866 he was married to Miss Olive Hudnall, daughter of S. A. and S. E. Hudnall, by whom he has 6 children.

Ephraim Renner, farmer and stock-raiser, sec. 4; P. O., Vermont. The above named gentleman is a native of Ohio and was born April 26, 1833 ; his father, Daniel Renner, also a native of the Buckeye State, was a shoemaker by vocation. He married Miss Lydia Fry,

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HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY.

by whom he reared a family of 10 children. Ephraim was eight years of age when his parents arrived in Astoria. Here his father leased property of Thomas Sidwell, a well-known early resident of Fulton Co. On this property he passed the remainder of his days, and his wife four years later followed her husband to "that bourne from whence no traveler returns." When the war broke out Eph- riam enlisted in Co. H, 84th regt., and participated in many famous battles, and was 110 days under fire during the Atlanta campaign. July 12, 1857, he was married to Miss Sarah Powell, by whom he had two children,-Oscar and Omar. Mrs. R. died Oct. 23, 1863, and in 1866 he was united in marriage with Miss Margaret Carna- han, by whom he has 6 children, 5 of whom are living,-Melinda, Melissa, Columbus, Charles and Arthur.

Henry Riffle, farmer, sec. 7; P. O., Vermont ; is a native of York Co., Pa., where he was born in 1837. Growing to manhood in the Keystone State, he learned the plasterer's trade. In 1869 he made his way to Illinois, locating in Vermont, where he bought town property and for a time worked at his trade. In 1877 he purchased the farm property of Lewis Haney, consisting of 50 acres of well improved land. February 12, 1860, is a memorable day to Mr. R., for upon that day he was joined in marriage to Miss Matilda, daugh- ter of Jacob Frownfelter, a native of Maryland, in which State they lived for 7 years after marriage.

William Rose, farmer and stock-raiser, see. 3; P. O., Vermont. Mr. R. ranks among the opulent farmers of this township and of Fulton Co. He is the son of William Rose and was born in Ross Co., O., March 16, 1816. William, sen., was born in the Old Dominion and married Miss Susan Dollard there. She became the mother of 7 children, the subject of this sketch being the third. In Ohio he passed his boyhood and grew up receiving only a limited education. Here he contraeted marriage with Miss Ann E. Lynn, daughter of Solomon and Elizabeth Lynn, who bore him 10 chil- dren, 8 of whom are living,-John, James, Wm. R., Uriah T., Elizabeth, Susan, Ann E. and Edith. In 1836 Mr. R. set out for Illinois, and after the usual trip in a covered wagon drawn by oxen he arrived in Fulton Co. For one year he lived in Pleasant tp., and then bought land in this township. For many years he roughed it, but eventually succeeded, and is to-day the owner of nearly 800 aeres of fine farming land.

John Saurbaugh, of the late firm of Saurbaugh & Ziegler, Astoria, is a native of York Co., Pa., where he was born June 10, 1827. His father, John Saurbaugh, was born in Washington Co., Pa. ; he followed farming and married Miss Nancy Royance, who bore him 7 children, of whom JJohn was the fifth. He grew up in his native State, received a liberal education and carly turned his attention to agriculture and milling. While a resident of Pennsylvania he was married to Mrs. Martha A. Groff, a daughter of Joseph Gardner. This marriage has been blessed with 4 children,-Isaac, George,

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Nathan and Emma. Seventeen years ago Mr. S. located in Astoria tp. on a farm where he has since resided, except for 3 years when he was engaged in the lumber trade at Astoria.

George V. Sayers, farmer, see. 33; P. O., Astoria. The above named gentleman is the youngest son of Jonathan Savers, who lo- cated in Fulton Co. many years ago. George was born in Astoria tp. in 1851. Growing to manhood he received a liberal education. March 31, 1874, he was united in marriage with Miss Delilah Wright, daughter of John and Susan Wright, of Ohio. Two chil- dren-Irene and Wilhelmina-were born of this marriage. Mr. S. holds the office of School Director at present.

Lemuel Sayers, farmer and stock-raiser, sec. 27; P. O., Astoria ; was born in Harrison Co., O., in 1812. His father, Jonathan Say- ers, was born in New Jersey, and moved to Maryland, where he married Susannah Sing, by whom he had 6 children, Lemuel being the third child. About the year 1780 Jonathan Savers settled in Penn., and very early located in Ohio; he took an active part in the war of 1812, and died in Ohio at the age of 62. In 1832, on attaining his majority, Lemnel set out for Illinois, after a long voy- age reaching Havana, from whence, with John Easely, James Strode and Henry David, who brought teams to transport the goods of the emigrants, he went to Pleasant tp. John Easely owned a cabin in what is now Ipava. He settled in Astoria tp. and built a round-log cabin. In Jan., 1843, he was married to Sarah Jane Henderson. Of this union 13 children were born, 7 of whom are living,- Thomas, Wesley, David, Martha, Harriet, Granville and Sherman. Mrs. Sayers passed away Jan. 28, 1876, and Oct. 4, 1877, Mr. S. was married to Mrs. Furniss, daughter of Wm. Sullivan.

Henry Schisler, was born in York Co., Pa., in 1835. Passing his boyhood and youth in his native State, at the age of 18 he deter- mined upon locating in the West, and selected Astoria tp., where, in 1858, he was nnited in marriage with Miss Magdalena Wise, also a native of the Keystone State. Sarah, Samuel, Amanda, Charles, Lydia, Mary and Edward are the children born to them. On his arrival in the West Mr. S. turned his attention to different pursuits in Astoria. Twelve' years ago he rented a shop and started in the cooper business ; after a moderate business he sold out and purchas- ed the tannery formerly owned by JJohn Gilliland. In this new departure he was successful and accumulated some means, and pur- chased 80 acres of land in this tp., and now is engaged in farming, owning 160 acres of well-improved land near Astoria, his post-office.

William H. Scripps, banker and leading merchant, is not only a well-known business man of Fulton Co., but of the entire State. He is a quiet, unassuming gentleman, whose fortune has by no means dampened a gentle, warm-hearted nature. June 6, 1876, he organized a private banking house. He was then, as now, transact- ing a large business as merchant, and for a number of years had carried on his banking business in his store. In 1877 he erected a

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substantial banking building and fitted it up in becoming style. In a work of this nature we deem it due to the people of Fulton Co. that more than a passing notice be given to one of their fellow citizens, who has been so successful in his busines career, and yet by his honesty, gentleness and integrity his name has become a household word, and is used as a synonym for those noble traits by thousands. In 1840 he came from Rushville to Astoria, then a very small village, and embarked in business as a merchant, dealing in a general line of goods. Here he transacted a remarkable busi- ness ; his conduct, characterized by most serupulous uprightness, gained for him the confidence of the community, which he has ever retained. Shortly afterwards he turned his attention to the grain trade, buying large quantities. About this time he also engaged extensively in pork-packing, in which he met with flattering suc- cess. In 1877 he laid out "Scripps' Addition" to Astoria, which is composed of over 100 lots.

M. L. Sereras, city barber, is a native of Schuyler Co., Ill., where he was born Jan. 14, 1853. His father, J. T. Severns, is an old resident of Astoria and a carpenter and joiner by occupation. La- fayette grew to manhood in this county and received a good com- mon-school education. For a number of years he worked at farm- ing ; then he learned his present trade, at which he has been quite successful, and has the respect of every citizen. April 25, 1875, he was united in marriage to Miss Isabel Thompson. Nellie is their only child.

Mrs. Catharine Shannon, a resident of Astoria for 16 years, is a native of Virginia, where she was born May 14, 1829. Philip Wunderley, her father, was born in Penn., and in an early day moved to Virginia and there married. Early in life he learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed for many years of his life. Ho was married to Miss Elizabeth Hitz, who bore him 12 children. Catherine, the fourth child, grew up in Virginia and was married in 1851 to Noah Teter, a farmer. Two years later they moved into Schuyler Co., Ill., and in 1863 came to Astoria and purchased town property and for several years was a partner of Mr. J. W. Lutz in the hardware business. Shortly after he dissolved partnership he was taken sick and died. In 1873 Mrs. Teter was united in mar- riage with JJ. W. Shannon, who laid out "Shannon's Addition" to Astoria. He died in the year above mentioned. He is a business man and has accumulated considerable property.

Eneas Shannon, deceased, was born in Ohio in 1807 ; grew up and was married to Miss Melinda Johnson, in that State. Her father, Peter Johnson, was a brother to the daring pioneer boys, John and Henry Johnson, who made themselves famous throughout Ohio by the killing of their captors, two stalwart Indians. Mr. S. settled in Astoria township in 1850, where he bought a tract of 200 acres of fine land. He died April 16, 1876, and his remains were consigned to earth in Astoria cemetery. He left 9 children, -- John, Nathan, Thomas, Irving, Asil, Encas, Eliza, Nancy, and Anna.

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HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY.

Nathan Shannon, farmer, see. 21 ; P. O., Astoria. The gentleman here named is a native of Tuscarawas Co., O., where he was born in 1833. At the early age of 16 he accompanied his parents, Eneas and Melinda Shannon, to Ill. They located in Astoria tp. on farm property where Nathan grew to manhood. When the war broke out he enlisted in Co. H, 85th Ill. Inf. He was honorably dis- charged in 1862, and returned to Fulton Co., where he has since followed farming. In 1855 he was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Downey, daughter of Joseph Downey, by whom he has

children,-Henry, Ewin, Maria, Ada, Irvin, Melinda, Walter, Hettrick and Eneas.

Benton Sharpe, farmer, sec. 22; P. O., Astoria; is a native of Fulton Co. and one of the oldest residents of this township. His father, Jacob Sharpe, founder of Sharpe's Landing and a well-known, prominent farmer, we speak of below. Nov. 25, 1840, in the town of Astoria, Benton Sharpe was born. Roared amid pioneer associ- ates, he received a good common-school education. In1865 he mar- ried Lucy, a daughter of W. B. Carter, a well-known carly settler of this county.

J. Y. Sharpe, deceased, was a well-known merchant and agrienl- turist of Fulton Co. He was born in Seipio, Cayuga Co., N. Y., in Oet., 1804. But little is known of his early life. He grew up in New York and received a liberal education, chiefly through hard and persistent labor, and in after years excelled as a grammarian and mathematician. While a resident of the East he taught school and subsequently turned his attention to agriculture. He came to Ill. in an early day and settled in Fulton Co., and shortly afterwards engaged in merchandising about three and a half miles southeast of Astoria. He became quite successful, and came to Astoria shortly after the organization of the town and finished and occupied the first building begun in the town, and probably opened the first stock of general merchandise in Astoria. Here he married Miss Jemima Safford. Mrs. Sharpe died many years ago and was laid at rest in the village cemetery. Mr. S. was united with Miss S. E. Morrison of Penn. Mr. S. was a shrewd business man and displayed uncom- mon energy. He it was who established Sharpe's Landing on the Illinois river. Disposing of the Landing, owing to ill health, he purchased farm property and at one time owned a 1,000-acre tract of land. After a long life of unusual prominence and position in life he passed away in that dreamless sleep that comes sooner or later to all. To his wife and family he left a large property. The children born of the second marriage now living are Flora, Carrie, Mary and Lillie.

William Sharrer, farmer, sec. 11; P. O., AAstoria; was born near Lewistown, this county, March 5, 1844. His father, JJohn Shawrer, settled in this county as early as 1826. He was a blacksmith by trade, but the latter years of his life were devoted to farming. He was married to Miss Mary MeIntire, in Ohio, who bore him 8 chil-

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dren,-five of whom are living. William received a good common- school education and early turned his attention to farming. April 13, 1870, he was united in marriage with Miss Libbie Waggoner, a daughter of ex-Sheriff D. JJ. Waggoner. They have had 4 children born to them, two of whom, Mary and Nellie, are living.

Jessie Sierer, late of the firm of Moore Bros. & Co., came to Astoria in 1871, and is a native of the Old Dominion, where he was born in 1842. His father, Solomon Siever, was a farmer, and married, in Va., Miss Elizabeth Caplinger, who bore him 11 children, the sub- ject of this sketch being the sixth. He accompanied his parents to Fulton county when 14 years old. They settled near Lewistown. When he first came to Astoria he became employed in the grist-mill of Kost & Hipsley. At the end of four years he purchased an interest in the dry-goods house of G. W. Kost. In two years he retired from this business and embarked in the hard-wood lumber business. In 1865 he was married to Miss Margaret Hipsley, a daughter of Nicholas Hipsley, an extensive stock dealer of the county. In 1878 Mr. S. built a fine residence.

John Skinner, coal operator, is a native of Scotland, where he was born in 1844, and passed his childhood and youth and grew to manhood. Attaining his majority he crossed the ocean for the New World, and first set foot in New York city during March 1865. He went to Pa. and began life as a miner, then went to Cleveland, Ill., and in 1870 came to Astoria, where his practical mind grasped the fact that coal of a superior quality existed in abundance, and with uncommon energy, and he, in connection with Mr. W. H. Emer- son, soon became coal shippers. In 1876 he was united in marriage to Mrs. Sarah E. Rosia, a widow of John B. Rosia.

Samuel Smith, agriculturist, was born in Pennsylvania in 1802. In his youth he learned the gunsmith's trade. In his native State he was married to Miss Elizabeth MeCormick, who became the mother of 8 children, 7 of whom are still living,-Harvey, who re- sides in Kansas ; Alfred lives in Astoria tp. ; A. J., who married Miss Brown, lives in this county ; Samuel, jr., married Mary Coe and lives on the farm homestead ; Phoebe A. married JJohn M. Tingley, and lives in Missouri ; Mary resides in Arkansas and is the wife of D. S. Schenek ; Elizabeth, the wife of J. G. Shane, lives in Ne- braska.

I. B. Snowden, farmer and stock-raiser, sec. 5; P. O., Vermont. was born in Brooke Co., W. Va., in 1837, and is the son of Ezra and Margaret Snowden, and was the third of a family of 11 children. Ezra was a carpenter and boat-builder by occupation. At the carly age of 19 our subjeet set out for the West and reached Fulton Co. in the spring of the year, and engaged as a farm-hand. In 1861 he took unto himself a wife in the person of Miss Elmira Henderson, daughter of Wm. Henderson, a pioneer of this county. In 1870 Mr. S. purchased a farm in MeDonough Co. Of the marriage with Miss Henderson the fruits have been 5 children, 3 of whom are living,- Laura, Lenora and Leroy.

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HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY.

James C. Sparks, farmer and stock-raiser, is a native of Hamilton Co., O., where he was born Nov. 3, 1830. His father, Levi Sparks, was a farmer by occupation and for a number of years dealt in grain ; he was married in Ohio to Miss Sophia Comstock. To better their condition in life they concluded to move farther west and accord- ingly took passage on the Ohio river, going to St. Louis, from there to Beardstown, thence to Rushville and then came to the old town of Washington ; moving to Schuyler Co., he established what was known in an early day as Sparks' Landing. This was afterwards purchased by Jacob Sharpe. Mr. S. died in 1844, leaving to the care of his wife 3 children. James grew to manhood in Schuyler; on attain- ing his twenty-first year he moved to Fulton, where he has since been permanently identified with the farming interests. March 12, 1857, he was united in marriage with Miss Ida C. Carter, daughter of the well-known pioneer, James Carter, deceased. Mr. S. is ex- tensively engaged in stock-raising and his short-horn cattle are un- surpassed.

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History of Fulton county, Illinois, Part 46

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