USA > Illinois > Fulton County > History of Fulton county, Illinois > Part 61
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John G. Kaler, farmer, sec. 5; P. O., Smithfield ; is a son of John and Katharine (Henry) Kaler, was born in Crawford Co., Pa., April 24, 1834. His parents moved to this county in 1839. Mr. K. served in the late Rebellion in Co. D, 70th Ill. Inf. He was married to Edey Hedge, of this county, in 1854. She died shortly afterwards and he again married, this time Anna Bevard. He is the father of five children. Mrs. Kaler is a member of the Mt. Pleasant Christian Church.
Solomon W. Keime, farmer, sec. 31; P. O., Smithfield. The sub- ject of this sketch was born in Stark Co., O., March 18, 1833. His father, Daniel, and mother, Katharine ( Kennel) Keime, are natives of Penn. He came to this county in 1858; served three years in the Rebellion. By the sweat of the brow he has obtained a comfortable home. He married Lovina Mason March 11, 1859, by whom he has seven children,-Martha E., Chas. W., U. S. Grant, Samuel, Daniel (dec.,) Edward R. and James.
David Landes, merchant, farmer and proprietor of the Landes House, Smithfield ; was born in Licking Co., O., in June, 1836, and came to this county in 1855. Although Mr. L. had little to begin active life with, yet by industry and hard labor he has accumulated enough to make him comfortable through the remainder of his life. Besides his hotel and business buildings he owns a farm, which is well improved and stocked. He was united in marriage in 1858 with Mary F. Heath. Edward H., born Aug. 4, 1859, and Wm. F., born April 8, 1863, are their two children.
594
HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY.
N. H. Lehman, physician and surgeon, Smithfield; was born in Mahoning Co., O., July 17, 1850; came to this State in 1872. Shortly after arriving here he received a sunstroke, which came near putting an end to his life. He was educated in Poland Semin- arv, and the Eclectic Medical College, Cincinnati, O)., graduating with high honors in the latter. He came to this county in 1877, and by his superior skill has built up a large practice. He was married Nov. 28, 1878, to Mary Burkholder. Mrs. L. is a member of the Sterling M. E. Church.
W. P. Markland, physician and surgeon, Smithfield; was born in Ripley June 21, 1831, and educated in the common schools of of Indiana. He served three years in the Rebellion, enlisting as Corporal and mustering out as Sergeant. The Doctor received his medical education at Bath, Mason county, Ill. He is the father of 10 children, four of whom are living,-Omar, Elender, Wm. P. and Evangeline. By his merits as a physician the Doctor has won a large practice, and such almost unparalleled success has attended him that in a practice of 4 years' standing he has lost but one case.
Wm. E. Moshier, farmer and stock-raiser, sec. 13; P. O., Cuba : was born in Saratoga Co., N. Y., Sept. 1, 1827, and is the son of Nathaniel T. and Maria (Paull) Moshier, who were also natives of New York. He removed with his parents to Delaware Co., O., in 1838, where his father died in 1843, thence with his mother he moved to Lieking Co., O., where death took her away in 1847. He arrived at Canton, Fulton Co., Ill., the day Abraham Lincoln was assassinated. Mr. M. has been and is a hard laborer. He fed stock 15 winters in succession, without any intermission, not even on Sundays; he was married June 11, 1853, to Louisa Link, by whom he had six children, 5 living,-Frank, James, Laura, John and Ella. Mrs. Moshier died July 6, 1878, leaving the care of the household duties entirely upon Laura, who was then 18 years of age. Miss Laura deserves great eredit for the manner in which she presides over her father's house. Mr. M. has had his hair-breadth escapes as well as others, two of which we relate. While in Ohio he, in company with some neighbor boys, felled a "coon tree," which was very large and bent several smaller trees with their tops to the ground ; going toward the tree-top one of these trees imme- diately broke loose, and with its elastic power sent a small limb through the top of his head, cutting to the skull, the limb passing on into the ground so deep that the four men could not pull it out. During the war a man in Newark, O., jerked a butternut pin off him, when he drew a revolver; then another assailant appeared and felled him with a rock as he was in the act of shooting a colonel for striking him ; a friend caught the hammer and thus ended the skirmish.
Albert T. Murphy, grain dealer and farmer ; P. O., Cuba. Mr. M.'s father, Solomon Murphy, was born in Lieking Co., O., JJuly 13, 1838. He came with his parents to this county in 1852; was
595
HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY.
educated in the common schools of Ohio. Mr. M. was united in marriage Jan. 16, 1861, with Hannah Banghman, who has borne him 7 children,-Cora B., Margaret J., Rosetta, Henry M., Ger- trnde, Salina A., and Chas. M. He and his wife are members of the Christian Church. Mr. M. began in life "bare-handed," and by hard work and industry has succeeded well.
James Murphy, farmer and stock-raiser, sec. 13; P. O., Cuba; is the son of Wm. Murphy, deceased, and was born in Ashland Co. June 25, 1830; came with his parents to Fulton county in Oct., 1831 ; was educated in a select school in Cuba. He was married Feb. 21, 1860, in Ashland Co., O., to Almira Heifner. Having returned to his native home on a visit he was captured by the Miss Heifner, and she still "holds a claim." They are blessed with two children. His father, Wm. Murphy, was drafted in the Black Hawk war, but a brother, Adam, served in his stead. As is well known, Mr. M. was an early settler here. He gathered strawberries where Cuba now stands. Also has borne many privations, which early settlers were heir to. He has lived a week at a time with no bread in the house.
Win. P. Murphy, farmer and stock-raiser, sec. 13; P. O., Cuba; is the son of Solomon Murphy, and brother of A. T. Murphy, whose biography also appears in this volume; was born in Licking Co., O., Aug. 27, 1841; came to this county with his parents in 1853. Mr. M. was joined in marriage, May 5, '66, with Mary Lieurance, who departed this life Feb. 27, '76. He married Hannah Peirsol, March 8, '77. He is the father of five children. He traveled through the West in '66, and again in '69. He also served in the late Rebellion in Co. G, 11th Ill. Cavalry. First wife was a member of the Christian Church. Mr. M. has labored hard to proeure a home for his family, which he has well accomplished.
John Nelson, son of Henry and Debora Nelson, was born in Ful- ton county, Ill., in 1841 ; was educated in this county ; is a wagon- maker, and served in the late Rebellion in Co. A, 89th Ill. Inf., and was discharged Feb., 1865; was married Feb. 20, 1865, to Caroline Lucas, by whom he had four children,-Geo. W., Alga Ray (de- ceased), Lula M. and an infant, deceased. Little Ray was a very intelligent boy. When on his death-bed he refused to take whisky, as he said he wanted it said of him after death that "he never tasted whisky." Also said he heard somebody singing in the air this song : " We are going home to die no more." Residence, Smith- field.
Abraham Orwig, agriculturist, sec. 22; P. O., Smithfield. The subject of this sketch was born in Cass township, Feb., '38, and is the son of John, deceased, and Margaret (Baughman) Orwig; removed to Stark county, Ill., in '62 and returned in '65, where he has since lived and labored hard in the interests of his family. He married Olive E. Curfman, of Cass township, Feb. 10, '59. Ten children are the result of this union,-John W., Chas. E., Geo. F,
596
HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY.
Della J., Elizabeth E., Mary A., Wm. M. and David C. are living, the others having died. His brothers David and Frank live on the old homestead. Mrs. O. is a member of the U. B. Church.
James Orrrig, farmer, P. O., Cuba; son of the late John Orwig, of Cass township, and bother of Abraham Orwig, whose biography also appears just above, was born in Ohio, Aug. 18, '35. He came to this county in 1837; was educated in the common schools of Fulton county. He has traveled some through the Northwest, but has lived mostly in this township, a quiet life, laboring in the interests of home and home enjoyments. He was married in '57, to Martha J. Stewart, by whom he has nine children.
Jacob MI. Peyton. The subject of this sketch was born Ang. 5, 1841, in Clarke Co., Va., and is the son of Joseph E. and Mary S. (Fred) Peyton. He went with his parents to Licking Co., O., in 49; thence to Muskingum Co., O., thence to Henry Co., Ill., in '55, thence to McDonough Co. in '71, and to Fulton Co. in '74, where his father died in 1878. He was educated in Knox College, at Galesburg, Ill. and served in the Rebellion in Co. C, 9th Ill. Cavalry. He was discharged in '62; Feb. 15, '63, received a Cap- tain's commission from Governor Oglesby, and raised Co. 1, 148th Ill. Inf., and remained in service till the close of the war. While on an expedition in Arkansas under Col. Wood of the 1st Ind. Cavalry, he was wounded in erossing one of the dykes near White river. He teaches public school and vocal music in winter, and farms in summer ; was married Aug. 24, 1876, to Phoebe L. Hendryx, who has presented him with two children, Claudius B. and Aggie B. While in the army the soldier boys, being so much attached to their gallant and kind Captain, presented him with a valuable watch and chain.
Wilson Rector. This whole-souled gentleman is a native of Ross county, O. He was born Dec. 20, 1836. John Rector, his father, is a native of Va. His mother, Rebecca (Wilson) Rector, is a native of the Emerald Isle. Mr. Rector came to this county in 1841, with about $400, and now owns about 400 acres of well improved land, and is engaged in farming and raising stock ; served 4 years as Supervisor for Cass; has been Assessor two terms and Collector two terms ; was married to Lamira T. Beadles, Sept. 25, 1856. Eight children are the result of this union, all living and at home,-Henry JJ., born July 1, 1857 ; Geo. E., James M., Harriet E., John E., Newton E., Louie T. and Beadles N. P. O., Smith- field.
Mrs. Margaret A. Robinson, Smithfield. Our subject was born in Delaware Jan. 26, 1832, and is the daughter of Levin Cooper, who came to this county in 1840 and settled near Vermont, where he lived a respected and much esteemed citizen for several years, when he removed to near Ipava. Mr. C. was killed by a runaway team in 1863. Mrs. Cooper still lives a widow on the home place. Mrs. Robinson is highly esteemed in Smithfield as a pillar of the Sabbath-
597
HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY.
school. This school is by far the most interesting Sabbath-school in this part of the county, and its success is largely attributed to the faithful and earnest labors of Mrs. Robinson. This school now numbers 108 members. Not only in Smithfield has she been useful, but has been an earnest S. S. worker for 29 years. She has been married twice : first to Joseph Paul Nov. 29, 1848. This union was blessed with 3 children. Mr. Paul died on his way from California in 1851. She was married to William C. Robinson April 6, 1854. They have 5 children, of whom 4 are living. Mr. Robinson is a native of Ohio and came to Fulton Co. in 1852, where he has pur- sued the occupation of farming. Their son Levin is now 17 years old.
N. A. Rowden, son of John and Nancy (Henderson) Rowden, of Cass township, was born Jan. 12, 1849, in Miami Co., Ind. ; came with his parents to this county in '56; was educated in the common school of Fulton county. His brother, James C. Rowden, is Con- stable for Cass township. He was united in marriage March 20, '73, with Clara E. Hollenwell, who has borne him three children,- Charles F., James (deceased) and Emma. He is a member of the M. E. Church. P. O., Cuba.
Kersey J. Russom, Smithfield, son of Levi R. (deceased) and Eliza- beth Russom, was born in Fulton county in 1858. He was educated in the county in the common schools, and is mostly a self- made, energetic school-teacher. He has the legal profession in view as a life business; was raised a farmer's boy ; by his energy and superior talent as a speaker he is destined to make his mark in the world.
Rev. James E. Rutledge ; P. O., Smithfield ; was born in Augusta county, Va., Jan. 26. 1834. His parents brought him to Farmers' tp., this county, in 1835 ; was reared on a farm ; united with the M. E. Church in 1852; was educated in the Illinois Wesleyan Univer- sity at Bloomington ; also attended the Garrett Biblical Institute 3 years; joined the Central Illinois M. E. Conference in 1858, in which he has labored until the present. He married Miss Emma A. Miller of Henderson, Knox county, Ill., Ang. 15, 1860, by whom he has had 5 children : of these 4 are living. Rev. R. was ordained Deacon by Bishop Baker in 1860; ordained Elder by the same in 1862. His labors have been crowned with success in his various fields of work. Is at present Pastor of the Smithfield charge, in Macomb District, including the following appointments : Smithfield, Providence, Pleasant Grove, Marietta, Williams and Wiley.
Mrs. Lorinda Shriber was born in Pennsylvania, June 28, 1836, and is the daughter of John Hinderliter (deceased), who moved to this county in 1838. Mrs. S. was educated in the common schools of this county. When her father arrived at Canton he had but five cents in money, and a team and wagon. When he died he was in good financial circumstances. Her husband (deceased) was born in
598
HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY.
Pennsylvania and came here in 1852. He served in the Rebellion 9 months. She has six children, all at home; John and Daniel being her main support. She is a consistent member of the Baptist Church ; has never been out of the county since she first entered in 1838. P. O., Cuba.
J. Morgan Stewart, son of the late Richard Stewart, of Cass township, was born Sept. 15, 1844, in Licking Co., O .; served in Co. E, 121st O. Inf. ; served one year as clerk in the Inspector General's department ; was in the battles of Chickasaw and Kene- saw Mountains, the regiment losing half its men in each engagement. He was one of 19 in his company of 106 who served the entire time without furlough or discharge. While in the army his par- ents removed to Indiana in 1865, whither he followed. His par- ents came to this county in 1865 and he in 1866. He married Frances Stenbeck, Oct. 23, 1877. His father took a firm stand on the side of temperance all his life ; never sued a man, and never was sued, which principles of punetuality, honesty and lenity to- ward debtors he ever taught his children. He was a worker in the M. E. Church, and died May 18, 1879. Mr. and Mrs. S. are mem- bers of the M. E. Church. He is engaged in the pursuit of farming and stock-raising. Has served as Collector and Supervisor for Cass township. P. O., Cuba.
James W. Strode, farmer, sec. 32; P. O., Smithfield. He was born in Adams Co., O., in Feb., 1837 ; came to this county in 1857 ; was educated in the common schools in this county. Mr. Strode had nothing with which to begin this life, but has managed by hard labor and economy to procure a comfortable home ; was married in 1864 to Caroline Irwin, by whom he has had 9 children,-Isaac L., Carrie A., Nancy J., James N., Sarah K., Mahala V., Mary, Wm. D. (deceased), and Ed. V.
John Totten. When the red man was sporting over the prairies of Illinois and when the wolves were prowling through the forests, William Totten placed his family and effects in a one-horse eart in Ohio and found his way to Kentucky, thenee to Indiana, and final- ly to Fulton Co., where in 1823 he settled on the well-known Tot- ten's Prairie. It would require a large volume to recount all the incidents of his frontier life in Fulton Co. Mr. Totten was re- markable for retaining peace with the Indians. When on the war path they would visit him, trade and sport with him and leave peaceably. He was the first settler in Cass township, and settled on see. 27. The widow of William Totten still lives on the old homestead with her son John Totten at the age of 84 years. John Totten followed the occupation of hunting for many years, raising such grain as was needed for family use. He was married in 1847 to Barbary Baughman. Their son, Michael P. Totten, was born in Fulton Co., Oct. 18, 1850; was educated in the common schools of this county ; is a well-to-do farmer. Miss Almira, daughter of John Totten, is but 13 years of age, and is a remarkably good
599
HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY.
scholar for her age. Mrs. Totten was educated in Ohio, and came here with her parents in 1832. P. O., Smithfield.
Joseph A. Tussing, blacksmith, Smithfield, is a son of Henry Tus- sing, a native of Germany, and was born in Ohio, June 13, 1825. He was educated in the common schools of the Buckeye State and came to this county in 1861. He became an orphan carly in life and has suffered many hard knocks among strangers. He served 3 years in the Rebellion in Co. I, 8th Mo. Inf. and 10 months in Co. I, 146th Ill. Inf. He participated in 18 battles, and was slightly wounded. While in one battle a ball passed through his cap box and ruined his watch, which however saved his life. He was married to Caroline MeCorkle in Jan., 1847, who bore him one child, now deceased. He married Miss M. J. M. Greenman in 1850; one child, Wm. R., was the result of this union. The third time he was married to Clarissa Shoemaker, Jan. 5, 1879. Having lost two wives and being bereft of parents when quite young Mr. T's life thus far has been accompanied with much sadness.
Arthur M. Varnold, farmer and thresher, sec. 17; P. O., Smith- field. Mr. V. is the son of Peleg Varnold, of Smithfield, and was born and raised in this township. He is an experienced thresher, having operated a threshing-machine for twenty years. He was united in the holy bonds of matrimony with Martha German July 14, 1858. She was called to her eternal rest April 24, 1872. He was married to Mary M. Bull Jan. 18, 1874. She has since become the mother of 2 children. Mr. V. lost his dwelling with all of its effects by fire Jan. 15, 1872.
P. A. Walters, farmer and mechanie, sec. 24; P. O., Cuba; was born in Augusta county, Va., March 27, 1825, and is the son of Thomas and Mary (Wood) Walters; came to this county in 1841 ; was educated in select schools of Virginia and Fulton county. Served as Assessor for five years and Collector one year. He was married March 27, '50 to Frances A. Markley. Nine children have been born to them, six of which are living. He and his life-com- panion are consistent members of the Christian Church. Mr. W. went to California in '53, overland, and returned by ship in '56; traveled through Montana and Idaho in '64 and returned.
Henry Waughtel. The subject of this sketch was born in Hoek- ing Co., O., June 27, 1812; removed with his father to Richland Co. in 1814, thence to Fountain Co., Ind., in '25, thence to Putman township, Fulton Co., Ill., in '27. He helped build the fort on A. C. Moore's farm ; has been a resident of Cass township since 1828, except a little over 4 years, which was spent in the lead mines of Wisconsin ; gained a fortune there, but was swindled out of it by worthless men. When young was very fond of fishing and hunting, in which the young of early days engaged frequently. He wit- nessed the deep snow in 1830, which killed animals, turkeys and game by the thousands. On a hunting expedition after the snow he found 21 dead deer and but one live one. The Indian ponies nearly all
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HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY.
perished in this snow. Mr. W. was the first man to step out to the music when the call for volunteers was made in 1832 to put down the Black Hawk war. David W. Barnes was Captain and Thomas W. Clark and Asa Langford Lieutenants. The company went to Dixon on Rock river, and from there Gov. Reynolds sent them up the river, there being but 217 men, including officers, to meet the foe. On the evening of the second day's march they camped on Sycamore creek. While sporting and congratulating one Mr. Paul, who had shot two Indians that afternoon, a dozen Indians made their appearance on the bank of the creek. The excited men ran after the Indians at full speed. The remaining men formed in line and marched to meet the enemy. When they drew in sight they were outnumbered. Mr. W. says there were over 2,000 red-skins. Before they were aware of it they were nearly surrounded. The Indians, led by Black Hawk, made a fearful charge and the Fulton county boys were routed, losing 11 men. This battle was known as Still- man's defeat. He also states that the Indians had a drum. Mr. H. engaged in the mercantile business and failed in 1839. He married Margaret Markley Aug. 10, '37, and is the father of 12 children ; is a member of the M. E. Church ; is local preacher. Con- verted at C. P. camp-meeting in 1831. Was the first Supervisor for Cass tp. P. O., Cuba.
Jacob Zeigler was born in Ashland Co., O., Jan. 1, 1839; came to this county in 1858; was educated in the common schools of Ohio. When Mr. Zeigler came to this county he had $2.50. He worked for Wm. Hinderliter four years, and now owns 200 acres of land well improved. He is the only man in Cass township who deals in thorough-bred cattle. The head of the herd, Emperor Sixth, was calved April 7, 1877, and was got by American Sheriff; American Sheriff, by Sheriff (29,964) imported, out of Duchess of York. Mr. Zeigler was married to Sarah A. Hinderliter Oet., 1861, by whom he has seven children,-Effie M. (deceased), Clara B., Willis T., Ralsom J., Chas. S., Jesse F. and Sarah A. Mr. Z. also pos- sesses 160 acres of land in Nebraska. P. O., Smithfield.
TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS.
The following gentlemen have guided the public affairs of the township since its organization :
SUPERVISORS.
H. Waughtel 1850
H. W. Baughman 1859-65
John A. Waters 1866-67
Chas. Howard.
1852-53
John Rector ..
1854
Isaac Henderson 1869
Jacob Bayless
1855
Isaac Howard
1870-72
James Van Hanten. 1856
Wilson Rector. 1873-76
Abraham Murphy
1857
James M. Stewart. 1877
Daniel Henderson.
1858
A. S. Watson.
1878-80
1
Abraham Murphy.
1851
A. Murphy. 1868
601
HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY.
TOWN CLERKS.
Jacob Bayless 1850
S. B. Markley 1867-69
Hiram S. Higgins.
1851-53
James Horrell
1870
John H. Baughman 1854-56
J. H. Camron. 1871-72
H. W. Baughman.
1857
James Horrell. 1873
II. D. Ball ..
1858-59
John A. Johnson
1874
H. Waughtel
1860-62
Henry A. Howater
1875-76
Wm. A. Ransom
1863
E. B. Hughs.
1877-78
(. C. Martin 1864
J. H. Baughman
1879
W. Rector.
1865-66
ASSESSORS.
John Rector
1850-51
Joel B. Patterson 1867-68
Wm. Johnson
1852
James Murphy.
1869
John Rector
1853
P. A. Walters 1870-71
Jacob Bayless
1854
Wilson Rector. 1872
James Randall.
1855
P. A. Walters.
1873-74
A. Murphy ..
1856-60
Joel B. Patterson 1874-75
P. A. Walters
1861
James Horrell
1876
Isaac Howard
1862
P. A. Walters.
1877-78
A. R. Baughman
1863-66
William Rector.
1879
COLLECTORS.
John Shoup.
1850
Albert Herbert 1866
Chas. Howard.
1851
Lucius Grant.
1867-68
Wm. H. Totten
1852
John Brock. 1869
John Rector
1853
Wilson Rector.
1870-71
A. Herbert ..
1854
William A. Ransom 1872-73
James Randall. 1855
James M. Stewart .. 1874
A. Murphy.
1856-60
James Horrell.
1875
P. A. Walters
1861
Daniel Higgins
1876-77
Isaac Howard.
1862
John Schriber.
1878
A. R. Baughman
1863-65
Geo. R. Carley
1879
DEERFIELD TOWNSHIP.
Deerfield township (the field of deer) was in an early day the favorite resort of thousands of deer, especially on Reeves' Prairie, on sections 1, 2 and 3: hence the name. In the year 1823 Robert Reeves purchased the northwest quarter of seetion 2 and in the fol- lowing year left civilization and settled here in the then wilds of Deerfield, where the nights were hideous by the ceaseless howling of the blood-thirsty wolves. Among his nearest neighbors were Henry Waughtel, sr., Wm. Totten and Simon Camron, of Cass township, at a distance of about ten miles. Among the earlier set- thers of Deerfield were John S. and Samuel Edmonson, Zebulon and Milton Foster, John S. Dyer, John H. Martin, Isaac Weaver and and Hezekiah Cattron, all of whom settled in the vicinity of Reeves' Prairie. The original Reeves farm was purchased in 1835 of the widow and heirs of Robert Reeves by the late William Weaver of this county, and whose son, JJoshua Weaver, is living upon the prairie at present. John Martin was the first Justice of the Peace, and was elected in 1837. Schools were taught in the township as early as 1840. John H. Martin was the first Supervisor. John T. Vittum is the present incumbent.
Deerfield stands among the first townships of the county in point of religious organizations. There are six of these in the township and four church edifices. The Sunday-schools established semi- annual conventions in the township under the title of the Deerfield Sabbath-school Association, in 1875. Joshua Weaver is President and M. D. Diekinson Secretary.
CHURCHES.
Wiley Union Church .- The Methodists and Lutherans built a house in 1879 upon the land donated by Mr. E. Wiley, in 1839, for school and Church purposes. Mr. Wiley did not deed the land, but his successor, John Scott, transferred it to the Trustees for the above named purposes. Services are held every two weeks by Rev. J. E. Rutledge, M. E. preacher, and every alternate Sunday by Rev. Martin, Lutheran Pastor.
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