History of Fulton county, Illinois, Part 65

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 65

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Cornelius Dykeman was born April 4, 1836, the son of Gilson and Parmelia (Tuttle) Dykeman ; educated in New York State ; brought up a farmer ; came to Fairview tp. in an early day ; now lives on sec. 1. He has improved as much as 300 acres of wild land. He mar- ried Lydia Douglas, by whom he has two children living. She is a Spiritualist. Mr. D. in politics is a Republican.

Samuel Gourley. In Montgomery, Pa., there was born to Joseph and Elizabeth (Homer) Gourley, on June 2, 1818, a son, whom they christened Samuel. He came to this county in 1856 and en- gaged in farming. He resides now upon see. 19. In 1843 he was married to Ann Troy, who bore him 8 children,-5 boys and 3 girls,-only 3 of whom are living,-B. L., Joseph and Abram L. His P. O. address is Fairview.

Peter H. Groenendyke is the only child of Samuel and Gertie Anna (Hageman) Groenendyke, both of whom are natives of Somerset Co., N. J. The former was born April 17, 1825, his mother March 19, 1820. Peter was born Jan. 30, 1851. Peter's grandfather and grandmother, Daniel and Adria Groenendyke, were also natives of New Jersey. The former died in 1872, while the latter still sur- vives. The wife of our subject, Mary K. Wolfe, was born July 9, 1851. She is the daughter of John L. and Susan (Kenle, ) Wolfe. The father was born in Virginia Feb. 27, 1812; her mother was a native of Maryland. Mr. and Mrs. G. have one child, Samuel Wilber. Peter came to this county with his parents in 1835, and resides on sec 5, and they live with him. P. O., Fairview.

William Groenendyke, farmer, sec. 20; P. O., Fairview ; was born in Hunterdon county, N. J., May 24, 1810. His father, Samuel Groenendyke, served in the Revolutionary war as Major. His mother's maiden name was Mary Devore. Mr. G. came to this county in 1849. In 1862 he enlisted in Capt. Wyckoff's company of the 103d Ill. Inf. In 1831, Oct. 5, he was united in marriage with Rebecca Voorhees, who bore him 7 children,-one boy and 6 girls,-4 of whom are living, and all married. Mr. G. has been a member of the M. E. Church for a half century, and since 1849 has been Trustee and Class-Leader. P. O., Fairview.

H. H. Hurtough was born in Somerset Co., N. J., May 17, 1817. He came to Fairview and bought property in July, 1838; returned to N. J., was married Feb. 24, 1840, and arrived here again May 1 of that year. He was married to Catharine Vanderveer. Their family consists of the following members: Mary, born Nov. 9, 1844; John, March 4, 1847; Martin, Sept. 11, 1849; Caroline V., Oct. 13, 1855; William A., June 11, 1858. Three of the children

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HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY.

are married. One of the daughters is the wife of Dr. Hughes, re- siding near Chicago. Mr H. learned the plastering and brick-lay- ing trade and followed it for 13 years, when he bought the farm where he now lives, see. 33. Mr. H. has been a life-long Republi- can, and is a strong temperance advocate, and a member of the Re- formed Church. He is liberal and has accumulated a good fortune by his industry. His portrait we give in this book. P. O., Fairview.

James Hedden, fariner, sec. 30; P. O., Fairview; was born in Morris Co., N. J., Aug. 31, 1805, and is the son of Joseph and Sarah Hedden. He came to this county in 1852 or '53. He fol- lowed brickmaking for about 40 years in his native State, but since here has engaged in farming. He has served in several local offices. He married Georgia Godly. He is the parent of 17 children, 8 of whom are living and all married. He united with the Reformed Church in 1852.

Hugh F. Hillpott, merchant, was born in Bucks Co., Pa., Sept. 12, 1833. He is the son of Jacob G. and Julia Hillpott. His mother's maiden name was Julia Frankfield. He came to this county Nov. 28, 1855, and settled in Fairview. He has only a limited educa- tion, having never attended school more than 8 months in his life. His superior native genius and business ability has, nevertheless, abundantly crowned his efforts. He worked as a farm hand until he was 20 years of age, then learned the blacksmith's trade, which he followed for 11 years. He then embarked in mercantile life, and has since continued in it, being very successful, and accumulated a fine fortune. June 28, 1868, he was married to Sarah Van Liew. John V. L., born Aug. 25, 1869, and Lizzie C., born June 24, 1872, are their children. During the days of the Rebellion Mr. H. enlist- ed in Co. D, 103d Ill. Inf. He participated in several battles and was with Gen. Grant at the seige of Vieksburg, and was discharged at Washington City, Sept. 25, 1864. He united with the Reformed Church in 1865.

M. M. Johnson, son of Moses C. and Zerilda Johnson, was born in Fairview tp., Aug. 5, 1839. He is engaged in farming upon see. 7. He has traveled over the Western States and Territories considerably. In 1878 he was the choice and nominee of the Green- back party for Sheriff of this county, but, although running ahead of his ticket, he was defeated. He has held many local official positions. Dec. 24, 1868, he was married to Eliza J. Downan. Their home has been blessed with 6 children,-3 boys and 3 girls, -all of whom are living. P. O., Fairview.

Allen Keefaurer, barber, Fairview, is the son of John and Eliz- abeth (Young) Keefauver, and was born in Washington Co., Ind., March 23, 1853. He was brought to Joshua tp. in 1855. He was engaged on the farm till 19 years old, when he began to learn his trade. He is an artist of great skill in his business, and a young man full of energy and enterprise. He is the leader of the Fair- view String Band. He was married Feb. 16, 1875, to Mary Suy- dan. Jessie, born Nov. 16, 1875, is their only child.

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HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY.

James K. Kelsey. One of the self-made men of the county is the venerable Mr. Kelsey, who was born in Fairfield Co., O., March 7, 1807. His father, Enos Kelsey, was from New York ; his mother, Nancy Kelsey, nee Young, was a native of the Keystone State. Mr. K. followed shoemaking till he was 22 years old, when he began school-teaching, but soon turned to tilling the soil. He resides now on sec. 13, and owns 250 acres, besides town property, which he has gained by his own personal exertions. April 9, 1829, he was united in marriage with Lydia Harsock, who bore him 11 children,- 4 boys and 7 girls,-8 of whom are living. In 1854 Mr. K. united with the Presbyterian Church. P. O. address, Farmington.

John L. Kitchen, farmer and coal miner, sec. 8; P. O., Fairview ; was born in Henderson Co., N. J., Aug. 9, 1843. His parents were William and Charity Kitchen. He came to this county in 1851. He is at present School Director and has been for some years. On the 13th of Aug., 1876, he took unto himself a wife in the person of Mary Hall. Frederick, who was born July 29, 1878, is their only child. Politically, Mr. K. is a Democrat, though liberal in his views.

Isaac Lamb was born in Floyd Co., Ind., March 20, 1818. His parents, Benjamin and Naney Lamb, were natives of North Caro- lina. He came to this county in 1841 and settled near where he now lives, and has never made but one move. His present resi- dence is on sec. 31. Mr. L. has quite an extensive coal bank and for some of his coal land he has paid $125 per acre. He began his coal business 30 years ago. He could then supply the demand with- out help, but for the last 20 years he has mined about 25,000 bushels per year, and some of the time has been unable to fill orders. He was married Feb. 20, 1836, and has 11 children,-7 boys and 4 girls. He is a member of the Christian Church. P. O., Fairview.

L. J. Lamb is a native of Fulton Co., having been born in Fair- view township Nov. 7, 1842. His parents, Isaac and Jane (Hall) Lamb, were early settlers of the county. L. JJ. attended the com- mon country schools, and those of Fairview and Prairie City, where he gained a good education. He is engaged at farming on see. 19. March 25, 1864, he was married, and has 4 sons and one daughter. He has been a member of the Lutheran Church for 14 years. His wife is a member of the same Church. P. O., Fair- view.

J. R. Lance was born in Penn. in 1812 and is the son of William and Margaret (Hart) Lance. His father was a native of N. Y., and his mother of Penn. and both of German descent, and both lived to a ripe old age and died in this State. His father was 103 years of age when he died. J. R. came to this county in 1837 and located on sec. 1, Fairview tp., and has lived upon this section since, and at present owner of 330 acres of land. He has been twice married and is the father of 9 children, all of whom are by his former wife. She

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HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY.

died and he was married in 1878 to a widow lady, whose maiden name was Euphemia Merrill, a daughter of one of the early settlers of the tp. She owns 200 acres, making 530 acres in all that they own. P. O., Farmington.

U. S. Luman, farmer, sec. 7; P. O., Fairview; was born in Franklin Co., O., Jan. 1, 1834, and is the son of Jesse and Mary (Shreeves) Luman. W. S. was brought to the county when at the very early age of three years. He has been successful in his labors and owns 200 acres of land. In April, 1858, he was married to Mary Cook. This union has been blessed with 7 children,-6 boys and one girl,-all of whom are living. Politically he is a Democrat.

J. F. Mc Clain, teacher, was born in Frederick Co., Md., Dec. 15, 1838, and is the son of John and Susan (Harbaugh) McClain. The former was born Dec. 2, 1799, and his mother, Aug. 2, 1806. Mr. McClain attended the common schools of Ill. and finished his edu- cation at the Normal School at Emporia, Kans. He began his long and successful career as a teacher when only 17 years old. He has taught the Fairview school for 13 years, and has taught 25 terms in the same building, which speaks in his praise stronger than we can find words to express. He has been Assessor of the tp. and a mem- of the Board of Fairview, and served for several terms as Town Clerk. This year he was elected Supervisor. He has studied medi- cine and practiced some, but has not been admitted yet ; he ex- pects to be, however, soon. March 28, 1866, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary Vannortwick, who has borne him three children - John F., born Jan. 31, 1871, Susan C., June 22, 1873, and Lulu May, Aug. 23, 1876. He is a member of the Reformed Church.

Benjamin S. Miller. There was born to James and Sarah Eliza- beth (Boyd) Miller, while they were living in Mercer Co., N. J., and on the 4th of March, 1833, a son, Benjamin S., the subject of this sketch. He worked at farming till 17 years old when he began blacksmithing. He came to this county Oct. 10, 1851, and since has engaged in farming most of the time. He resides now upon sec. 5. He has been twice married. His first wife, Drusilla Dunn, he married Feb. 1, 1855. She bore him 5 children,-3 boys and 2 girls, -James, Sarah Elizabeth, Hardin, John and Cordelia. His first wife was a member of the M. E. Church for 31 years. She died of consumption in 1877, Sept. 3. He married again, this time to Rachel Ann Luman. P. O., Middle Grove.

John Miner was born born July 20, 1844, in the old State of New Jersey. His father, William Miner, was of Scotch-Irish de- scent and his mother, Deborah Miner, was of English descent. Both were natives of New Jersey. They reared a family of 10 children. The father has passed from earth. He died May 2, 1876. Mrs. M. is still living. John has charge of the farm and has been suc- cessful in its management. He enjoys the companionship of his books, indeed is of a literary turn of mind. P. O., Fairview.

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HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY.

Almiron G. Morse was born in this county in 1849. His parents, T. M. and Elvira (Blakeslee) Morse, were natives of Ohio. A. G. attended the common schools and then learned the carpenter's trade, which he has followed for ten years. He is now engaged in the tile business. Sept. 24, 1875, he was united in marriage with Edith Shinn. His P. O. address is Farmington ; his residence on sec. 2. T. M. Morse, farmer, sec. 2; P. O., Farmington ; was born in Burlington, Otsego Co., N. Y., Feb. 10, 1820. His father, Jedediah, was a native of the same place and died Aug. 8, 1852; his mother, Huldah Bolton, was a native of Woodstock, Ct. Mr. M. landed here Sept. 28, 1839, and has resided on his present farm most of the time since. He had a liberal education, and was the first Super- visor elected from the township. He has held other local official positions, and was J. P. for 20 years in succession. Mr. Morse has been elected to the Legislature three different times, and served with credit and honor. He has taught school much, and remen- bers teaching subscription school for $15 per month, took wheat in pay, hauled it to Farmington and sold it for 25c per bushel. Oct. 1, 1846, he was united in marriage with Elvira Blakeslee, who was born Jan. 31, 1830. Almiron G., Menzo, Timothy, Emerson, Burt, Elvira and Hattie are the names of their children.

James M. Morton. Upon the section where he now lives, sec. 24, on July 2, 1838, James M. Morton was born. His father, Elijah Morton, was born in New Jersey ; his mother, Mary (Alexander) Morton, was a native of Bucks Co., Pa. In 1863 Mr. M. enlisted in Co. B, 11th Ill. Cav., under Col. Kerr. He served till Sept. 30, 1865, when he was discharged at Memphis. In 1870, Sept. 1, he was joined in the holy bonds of matrimony with Clara Jacobus. Henry E., born June 24, 1872, Edith A., Feb. 18, 1874, and Alvah and Alpheus, born June 8, 1878, are their children. P. O., Fair- view.

J. B. Negley is one of the enterprising farmers of Fulton Co. He located here in 1844, and has resided upon the same farm since the spring of 1845. His.native State is Pennsylvania, where, in Franklin Co., June 15, 1813, he was born. His education was very limited when he started in life for himself, but he has been a close student all of his life, and at present is a frequent contributor to the county papers. There was not a stick of wood upon his farm when he came to it. He now owns 350 acres of fine land, well improved and stocked. He has visited France to purchase horses that his own and neighbors' stock might be improved. In 1874 he was the nominee of his party for Representative, but was beaten by a few votes, his party being in the minority. He is the son of JJacob and Mary Negley. He was married in 1836, June 14, to Catharine Wolf, who bore him 9 children, 7 of whom are living. They had a son killed at the battle of Shiloh. He was a member of Co. C, 19th Ill. Inf. P. O. Norris.

James H. Palmerton, a prominent agriculturist, resides upon sec.

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HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY.

23, and owns one-half section of land. He is the son of Ichabod and Jane (Childers) Palmerton, and was born in this county in 1844. He has made three trips across the plains, driving Govern- ment team. While in the wilds of the West he saw 19 Indians hung with grape vines for stampeding cattle. In 1867, Oct. 15, he was united in marriage with Mary Jane Dedden. Sarah E., Alice M., Bessie A., Emma, Mary E. and Zillie are their children. P. O., Fairview.

Darid Parks, miller, is the son of Elijah and Sarah (Conover) Parks, and was born Sept. 10, 1805. He received only a common- school education, but his rare native ability has enabled him to be- come successful in life. He came to the county in 1849. He has started 3 mills since he came to this State. He has a stone quarry on his farm, section 20, which yields a good quality of stone. He was married in Feb., 1830, and is the parent of 5 children,-4 boys and 1 girl,-all of whom are living. David A. and Elijah served in Co. C, 17th Ill. Cavalry, and Joseph W. was in the 55th Ill. Inf. P. O. address, Fairview.

James J. Parks, son of David and Sarah (Johnson) Parks, was born in Hunterdon Co., N. J., Jan. 16, 1832. He attended the common schools and received a fair education. He came to this county in 1849, and is engaged in farming upon section 19, having met with moderate success. The 27th day of March, 1857, was a day full of interest for him and his wife, Sarah Parks, nee Cammann, for upon that day they were united in marriage. Walter, Belle, Margaret, Irene, Howard and Fred are their children. Mr. P. united with the Lutheran Church in 1871.

Daniel G. Polhemus, retired farmer, one of the pioneers of Fulton Co., came in 1837 and bought property and two years later located here with his family. He is the son of Garrett and Jane (Haga- man) Polhemus, and was born in Somerset Co., N. J., Nov. 21, 1795. He received his education in the common schools. As a farmer he has been eminently successful and at present owns, after giving to his son 132 acres, 385 acres of land. His farm is well stocked and has upon it 200 head of hogs. He was united in mar- riage with Maria Voorhees Jan. 21, 1821. She died the mother of 10 children,-4 boys and 6 girls,-5 of whom only are living. They had a son who served in the 103d Ill. Inf. for 3 years. Mr P. has been a member of the Reformed Church for half a century.

(. V. Polhemus was born in Montgomery township, Somerset Co., N. J., Oct. 28, 1821. His father, Daniel, and his mother, Maria (Voorhees) Polhemus, were carly settlers of this county, G. V. com- ing with them in 1839. He has engaged in farming since large enough to work and has been quite successful. He resides upon sec. 28 and owns 258 acres of fine land. He has served his town- ship on the Board of Supervisors for 3 years and as a School Direc- tor for 15 years. Dec. 7, 1848, he was united in marriage with Miss Jane V. Brokaw. The union has been blessed with 8 children,

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HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY.

-5 boys and 3 girls,-6 of whom are living. Mr. P. lived in this county before Illinois had a railroad, and has hauled wheat in a wagon to Chicago and sold it for 50 cents a bushel.

Abram M. Powelson .- Among the many respected residents of this portion of Fulton county, who came from the little State border- ing npon the Atlantic, is Mr. Powelson, who was born in Somerset county, N. J., May 20, 1838. He is the son of Peter and Juliet (Gray) Powelson, who came to this township in 1846, landing July 4. His father died the following December and Abram though young began the pleasant and dutiful task of supporting his mother. This pleasure was not granted him long, for by a fatal accident she lost her life by being burned to death. When 13 years old he hired out to work upon a farm by the month, which he continued till he was 27, Since, he has been successful in farming and at present has a goodly share of this world's goods. He was married Sept. 3, 1861, to Julia Polhemns. They have two boys living and one dead. Mr. P. is a member of the Reformed Church.

Luther Pumyca, farmer, sec. 34; P. O., Fairview; was born in Somerset Co., N. J., June 17, 1828. His parents, Peter and Catha- rine Sarah (Stueker) Pumyea, were both natives of the same county. Mr. P. landed in Fulton Co. when a lad of 8 summers. He en- gaged in mercantile business for 3 years in Fairview, but abandoned it for the farm. He has visited the golden shore of the Pacific and traveled elsewhere. He drove a team from New Jersey to Illi- nois. He has been twice married. First to Eleanor Jones, who bore him 2 children, both girls, and living. His second wife was Elizabeth Morse, who has borne him one child.

Peter Shleich, farmer, is the son of Jacob and Mary (Webber) Shleich, and was born in Wurtemburg, Germany, April 29, 1841. He came to America in 1850 and 5 years later came to this county. He attended the common schools, and at the age of 24 entered Hed- ding College, Abingdon, Ill. He has taught school for several years but is now engaged in farming, owning a 400-acre farm, well stocked. When he arrived here he could not speak English, and his father died soon after, and Peter was put ont to work. He served during the war in Co. A, 55th Ill. Inf., and was discharged Oct. 31, 1864. He participated in the battles of Pittsburg Land- ing, Shiloh and others. He married Mary E. Wilson Sept. 28, 1870. Mary Belle, Chas. W., John H., and Ada Maria are their children. He has been a member of the Reformed Church since 1867. P. O., Fairview.

Jonathan Smith was born in Madison Co., O., Sept. 11, 1808. In 1833 he visited Fulton Co., and two years later he came and raised a crop, and in 1837 located on see. 35, where he yet resides. He began life friendless and in poverty, having lost his parents and possessing only a three-year-old colt. At present he has 380 acres of land in this county, and 480 aeres in Iowa. He began as a farm hand at first, at which he worked for 7 years, receiving from

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HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY.

$7.50 to $10 a month. In 1837 he was married to Ann Foster, who has borne him 9 children, 8 of whom are living,-2 boys and 6 girls. One son and 4 daughters are married. One daughter married JJohn Broadfield, of Knox Co., and were traveling through Europe last year. John H., a son, married Mary Wyckoff the present year and resides in Marshall Co., Iowa. Mr. S.'s P. O. address is Fairview.

James Newton Suydam, postmaster. On the 17th of April, 1836, in the State of New Jersey, there was born to John W. and Eliza- beth S. Suydam a son, the subject of this sketch. Thirteen years later he was brought to this county. He attended the common schools of his home and then entered the commercial college at Davenport, Iowa. For 17 years he was engaged in farming; 5 years was employed as clerk in a store; taught school for 2 years ; embarked in the drug business at Fairview in 1861, and in 1864 was appointed P. M., and has held the office ever since except two years, when Andrew Johnson " swung him out." He is a live, enter- prising citizen. He is leader of the brass band, Town Clerk, Vil- lage Clerk, Recording Steward M. E. Church, Treasurer of Bible Society and Secretary of the Temperance Society. In 1860 he was united in marriage with Cordelia A. Morey, and in 1877, June 6, he married his second wife, Murtie E. Spence. His home has been blessed with 4 children,-2 boys and 2 girls,-all living. Mr. S. joined the Baptist Church in 1858, and was immersed by Rev. But- terfield. He united with the M. E. Church in 1862.

W. G. Swartz was born in Westmoreland Co., Pa., Oct. 2, 1825. He first came to this county in 1852. He taught school for one term and returned to the Keystone State, but, was dissatisfied, and in 1857 again sought the fertile soil of the Prairie State. His principal occupations have been teaching and farming. He learned the tan- nery and currying trade and worked at it for three years. He first settled in Young Hickory township on his arrival in Fulton Co. He has been successful financially, and at present owns 253 acres of fine land. He has filled the township offices from time to time, and for 15 years served as J. P. He married Elizabeth Welty, who has borne him 3 children,-2 boys and 1 girl,-one of the former is dead. He isa member of the M. E. Church.

I. D. Siregle, farmer, sec. 5; P. O., Fairview ; was born in New Jersey, Dec. 31, 1827. His parents were Daniel and Elizabeth Swegle. He came to this county as early as 1838. His only advant- ages to procure an education were at the common and subscription schools. He is naturally an energetic, hard-working man, and has injured himself by over work. About 20 years ago he suffered sun stroke and has not been able to work much since. In 1854 he was married and has 7 children, all living,-6 boys and one girl. He is a member of the M. E. Church.

G. W. Suygert, farmer, section 29; P. O., Fairview ; was born in Franklin Co., Pa., June 2, 1820, and is the son of John and Susan

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HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY.

(Sinder) Swygert. He came to this county 36 years ago. He for- merly was engaged at his trade, that of house-carpenter and joiner, but abandoned it to till the soil. He has served his school district in the capacity of School Director for a dozen years. During the winter of 1844 he was married to Miss Brokaw, who bore him 6 children, -2 boys and 4 girls,-5 of whom are living. Henry died at the age of 17. He is a member of the Reformed Church, and has served as a Deacon and Elder.

Peter TenEyck is one of the early settlers of Fulton Co. and de- serves more than a passing notice. By economy and industry he has managed to acenmulate a handsome fortune. He was born in Som- erset, Co., N. J., Aug. 28, 1808, and is the son of James and Esther (Hankerson) Ten Evek. Mr. T. was united in marriage Nov. 2, 1843, with Rebecca Cox. They have two children, son and daughter. The former is engaged in the practice of law in Michi- gan. Mr. Ten Evek takes great pride in his horses, of which he has a large number of very fine ones. He keeps the fleet-footed Clydes- dale trotting horses, only for his own driving, however. He has 100 head of fine cattle, mostly thoroughbred. He is a man of great en- ergy and application to his business. He came to this county in 1835 and settled upon see. 33 in 1836. He engaged in the mer- cantile business for 7 years during the infancy of Fairview, and we give his portrait in this book.

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History of Fulton county, Illinois, Part 65

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