USA > Illinois > Greene County > History of Greene and Jersey Counties, Illinois : together with sketches of the towns, villages and townships, educational, civil, military, and political history; portraits of prominent individuals, and biographies of representative men, History of Illinois > Part 109
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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
an active worker for all enterprises, which he thought would be beneficial to the town in which he resided. He at no time became a member of any church, but believing that all sects of christian- ity were beneficial, was always liberal in his views, letting every one enjoy his own inclinations. Early in life, he be- came a member of the masonic frater- nity, and was what is known therein as an active worker, holding the head office for a number of years, and a great part of the time, some subordinate position. He is now the president of the Old Settlers Association, of Greene county, and in that capacity, has rendered the searchers after Greene county history, valuable assistance.
Martin Thorpe, an old settler and prominent stock raiser of Greene coun- ty, was born in Drax, Yorkshire, Eng- land, Nov. 23, 1814, his parents being William and Ann (Petty ) Thorpe. Wil- liam was twice married, and by his second marriage there were two chil- dren - Martin, our subject, and Jere- miah, who is still in England. Martin's parents died when he was quite young, and he came to America with Adam Allison, now of Morgan county, who, upon their arrival there, located west of Jacksonville. Martin remained with them until he became of age, giving his labor during that time for a horse, bridle and saddle, and the amount of his pas- sage money. After that time he received a salary, remaining with Mr. Allen until he was 28 years of age. In February, 1843, he was united in marriage with Hannah Hembrough, a native of Eng- land, born in 1822. By this union there was one child-William II., born July 3, 1844, now in Cass county, Mo.
After his marriage he rented land of Mr. Allison for two years, then moving to Apple Creek Prairie, near White Hall, in 1845, remained there until 1846, when he moved to his present location, on section 23, Rockbridge township. His wife died in September, 1845, and he was again united in marriage with Mrs. L. N. Bibb, widow of Benjamin Bibb, October 7, 1847. She was born in Chris- tian county, Ky., Oct. 1, 1813, and was a daughter of James and Priscilla Fletcher. She was married in Kentucky to Mr. Bibb, a native of Virginia, and they came to Greene county, Ill, in 1835, remaining the first winter at Car- rollton. They afterward settled in Rock- bridge township, where he died in Feb- ruary, 1845. Mr. and Mrs. Bibb were the parents of five children, two of whom are living-Agnes E., wife of William R. Ballinger, residing in Rich- mond, Ray county, Mo .; Richard D., a resident of Bates county, Mo. Mr. and Mrs. Thorpe are the parents of five children-James H., born July 9, 1848; Benjamin F., born April 30, 1850; Mary A., born Feb 16, 1852; Sarah A., born October 1, 1851, and Maria Otis, born Feb. 10, 1857. After locating, Mr. Thorpe purchased 120 acres of land, and by industry and energy he was enabled to add to that until he possessed 600 acres of valuable land in Illinois. He then bought and improved 440 acres of land in Missouri. He was a tireless worker, full of thrift and honesty, always consid- ering his word as good as his bond or note. Those noble principles had been instilled into his character in his youth and considering all men like himself, he relied too much on some of them, who took advantage of his confidence,
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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
thus causing him temporary embarass- ment. He had sufficient property, though. to secure all his creditors and have a competence left for himself, owning at the time 200 aeres in Illinois, and 440 acres in Missouri; 640 acres in all. He still possesses the land in Missouri, and $8,000 worth of money and notes, which insures him a com- fortable living the remainder of his days. No man in the county is more highly esteemed than he, or stands higher in commercial honesty. He and his wife are members of the M. E. church. In polities Mr. Thorpe is a republican. His first vote was cast for Henry Clay. He was an old line whig and voted that ticket until Abraham Lincoln was nom- inated,when he voted the republican ticket and still continues to east his vote with that party.
Jefferson Coonrod, a son of Rev. Stephen Coonrod, of whom mention is made elsewhere, was born May 5, 1823, in Wayne county, Ill. When six years of age he came with his father to this county. He was reared on his father's farm, receiving only a limited educa- tion. He was married June 2, 1847, to Temperance Drum, born near Carroll- ton, Dec. 11, 1827. She is a daughter of John and Dillie (Wood) Drum, early settlers of Greene county, who resided here until their deaths. After marriage, Mr. Coonrod purchased 40 acres of land on the northwest quarter of section 22, and went to work with willing hands, and his energy and perseverance have been rewarded with success, he being now the owner of 475 acres of valu- able land. For the first purchase he paid $3 per acre, and for some since that time $70 per acre, and he ex-
perienced more difficulty in then pay- ing the first named price than he did later on in paying the last. He re- remained on the farm until Feb., 1873, when he rented his farm. and purchased a lot in Greenfield, on which he erected the fine residence in which he now re- sides, and is enjoying the fruits of many years labor. Mr. and Mrs. Drum, the parents of Mrs. Coonrod, were na- tives of North Carolina. Her father was a soldier in the war of 1812. They first settled near Carrollton, but after- wards moved to Rubicon township, where Temperance was married. Mr. Coonrod is one of the prominent citi- zens of Greenfield, and stands high in the estimation of all who have the pleasure of his acquaintance, meriting this esteem by his honesty, pleasing address, and genial manners.
FAYETTE.
The village of Fayette, was laid out in 1835, the plat of the same being filed for record Sept. 19 of that year. The original proprietors were Manoah Bost- wick, James Metcalf, and William Blair. Mr. Metealf's land lay along the county line, on section 12, Mr. Bost- wiek's south of it, on section 13, and Mr. Blair's on the west of Mr. Metcalf's. Three buildings were at once put up. Manoah Bostwick and James Metcalf putting up store buildings, and a Mr. Hall ereeting a dwelling house. The first merchants were Metealfand Wood- son, who were followed, shortly after, by Blair & Brother. Soon the princi- pal street began to be thiekly dotted with dwelling houses, and the little burg began to look quite townlike. But, of late years, there has been little growth.
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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
CHAPTER XX.
LINDER TOWNSHIP.
Township 10 north, range 11 west, was formed by the board of county su- pervisors into a civil sub-division of the county, in 1885, to which they gave the name of Linder township, after one of the old pioneer families. It is bounded on the north by the township of Wrights, on the east by Rockbridge, on the south by Kane and Rockbridge, and on the west by Carrollton township, and embraces nearly 36 sections of land, or about 23,000 acres. Several streams, tributaries of the Macoupin creek, me- ander throughout it, supplying adequate drainage and plenty of living water for all stock purposes. There are no rail- roads or towns within its borders, but its proximity to the towns of Green- field, Carrollton and Kane, make this no great hardship. The inhabitants are a purely agricultural and pastoral people, as a class, and are thrifty and prosperous. The surface of the land is generally rolling, the west half being pretty well covered with timber, while the eastern half is principally prairie. The soil is of the rich, dark, uctuous loam, so characteristic of this state, and for fertility has no superior in the world.
EARLY SETTLEMENT.
The first to make a settlement in this township was Martin Wood, a brother of Sheriff Young Wood. Martin came here and built the first cabin in the pre-
cinet, in 1818, on the farm now known as the Curtius place. He afterward re- moved to Athensville.
Luther and Calvin Tunnell, in 1818, commenced some improvements in this township. Luther finished and moved into his cabin, but sickness prevented Calvin from moving until the spring of 1819. A sketch of these pioncers is given elsewhere.
James Caldwell and Thomas. Crane came to this county in the fall of 1820, and, before winter, had cabins built in this township.
In 1821, Jacob Linder, with his fam- ily, among whom was Isham, now known as Isham Sr., settled on a tract of land, on section 15, where George L. Burruss now resides. Jacob afterward settled on the farm now owned by E. Twitchell, where he lived until his death. Jacob Linder was born near Abingdon, Va., and received the limited education afforded by the schools of that day. Attaining manhood, he im- migrated to Anderson county, Tenn., where he was married to Dicy Woods, of North Carolina, in 1798. By this marriage there were eight children. In 1810, he came, with his family, to Illinois, locating in Madison county. During the war of 1812, he took an act- ive part, enlisting in Capt. Moore's rangers. In 1821, he sold out and came here, as above stated. He died here,
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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
full of years. Isham Linder was born in 1802, hence was 19 years old on his advent to this county. He was mar- ried, Aug. 5, 1826, to Sarah Vaughn. These old people are now living a re- tired life in Carrollton.
Alexander King located on section 17, in this township, in 1821, where he went to work to open up a farm. He was a North Carolinian. Here he lived until death claimed him as his own, in Aug., 1872, when he had reached the advanced age of 85. He and his wife were both members of the Baptist church, and are buried in the graveyard at Providence.
John Johnson came to Linder town- ship, in 1821, and settled upon section 3, which he had entered at the land office, in Edwardsville, prior to his coming here. He was a native of North Carolina, born in March, 1792. He came to Illinois, locating at Edwards- ville, in 1812, and entered the ranger service, during the war that began that year. He was married, in 1812, to Mary J. Maines, by whom he had nine chil- dren. He settled on the place he thus became the owner of, and commenced to make his improvements, and lived here the balance of his days.
In the spring of 1823, John W. Huitt, who had been living south of the Ma- coupin creek, in what is now Ruyle township, Jersey county, since 1818, came to the territory now known as Linder township, purchasing 80 acres of land. A full sketch is given elsewhere. William J. Brown made an improve- ment and settlement here in 1823 or 24.
William Crane took up his residence in this township in 1823. He died here after many years.
In 1823, A. J. Johnson made a settle- ment in this township, and for some years was identified with its interests, but in the course of time passed away.
George Meldrum and family came to this part of the county in 1825, and tak- ing up some land entered upon the hard work of a pioneer. He lived here until his death. Will Meldrum is his son.
Will Meldrum was born in Linder township, Greene county, Ill., his par- ents being George and Elizabeth (Stout) Meldrum, the former of whom was a native of the Emerald Isle, and the lat- ter of Pennsylvania. George Meldrum removed to this county in 1825, and settled in Linder township, where he resided up to the time of his death, which occurred Dec. 28, 1842. His widow is now the wife of Amos Me- Pheron. Mr. Meldrum was a member of the M. E. church, and at his death was interred in the Providence cemetery. Will Meldrum was reared on a farm, and received his education in the dis- triet schools of his native county. He was united in marriage, in 1867, with Nettie Bannen, a native of Ohio, and a daughter of John Bannen. Their mar- riage has been blessed with seven chil- dren, six of whom are now living- George E., Osear L., Harry W., Bessie J., Lottie M. and Fred W. Mr. and Mrs. Meldrum are consistent members of the Providence Baptist church, he also being a member of Carrollton lodge, No. 332, I. O. O. F. In the month of Aug., 1862, he enlisted in Co. F, Ist Mo. Cav., and served till mus- tered out, June 13, 1865. He partici- pated in the Red River campaign, Co. F, serving as escort to Major-General Gordon Granger. He was also with
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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
Roseerans on the march from Murfrees- boro, Tenn., to Huntsville, Ala. Acted as orderly to Gen. Phil Sheridan, at Shelbyville, Tenn., riding at the gen- eral's left hand, when 18,000 men charged the fort, and captured it. Mr. Meldrum owns 55 acres of improved land on section 27, Linder township, where he carries on general farming.
George W. Meldrum was born in Linder township, Greene county, in 1834, being a son of George and Eliza- beth (Stout) Meldrum. In 1861 he en- listed in the 14th IN. Inf., and served one year, being then discharged on ac- eount of disability. He participated in the battle of Shiloh. April 2, 1863, he was married to Jane A. Wilson, a native of this county. They have three child- ren-William, Mary and Nellie. The family are members of the M. E. church, and he is also a member of the A. F. & A. M.
About the year 1825, Ephraim and Temple Nix, Henry Cook, and John Barnett, came into what is now Linder township, and located. They were the pioneers of what is known as the Wal- nut Grove settlement. Ephraim Nix settled on section 24, where he resided until 1842, when he sold out and re- moved to Macoupin county, where he died, a few years ago. Temple Nix en- tered 160 acres just south of his brother, on the same section. He died there many years ago.
Henry Cook entered some 700 acres of land in their immediate vicinity, and made extensive improvements. To quote from some articles written by J. HI. VanArsdale, from which are gleaned many facts, and to whom thanks arc re- turned : " Mr. Cook was quite a prom-
inent man in his day, and the settle- ment was for many years known as Cook's Prairie. He was born and reared near St. Louis, and could speak French and several Indian dialects, and frequently acted as interpreter for gov- ernment officers when transacting busi- ness with the Indians. He married, for his fifth wife, a sister of the late William Kineaid, who is still living, in Texas, in the 94th year of her age. In 1844, he sold to E. J. Secor, the 20 acres of land on which the Walnut Grove church now stands. In 1846, he sold the remainder of his farm, all south of the main road, to John Rhodes, the 160 acres north to John Hardcastle-and then, over 70 years of age, he moved his family to Texas.
In 1826, James Miller came to this county and entered 160 acres on section 23, of this township. He commenced his improvements at once, and resided on this place for many years, until re- moved by the hand of death. He was a member of the Baptist church, and a very singular man, hardly, if ever, seen away from home, as he made almost an entire recluse of himself.
During the year 1826, Elisha Stout and his family, from Ohio, located about three miles east of Carrollton, in this township, where he resided for many years. He was a native of the state of Pennsylvania.
In IS27 William Gough settled on sec- tion 15, where he lived until overtaken by death, many years after coming to this county.
Isaac Landis, a Tennessean, came to this township in 1827, and settled upon a farm. He was married in Tennessee to Esther King, also a native of that
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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
state. His son, William, now resides in the township.
James Ashlock, another old pioneer, came to this county in 1828, and located on section 22, of this township.
James Ashlock, deceased, one of the pioneers of the county, was born Dee. 23, 1799, in Tennessee. With his fami- ly he came to Greene county, III., in Nov., 1828, and settled on section 22, Linder township, where he entered 80 aeres of land, and built a log cabin, 18x20, in which he resided till 1850, when he built a new one, in which he lived until his death, which occurred April 12, 1862. He improved his farm from raw prairie and hazel brush. James Ashlock, and Edah, his wife, were married Feb. 11, 1819. She de- parted this life April 13, 1850, having been born May 4, 1801. They were the parents of eight children-James M., born Feb. 19, 1820, now engaged in the grocery business at Litchfield; Wm. M., born Nov. 14, 1821; Jesse C., born Nov. 2, 1823, now living in Carrollton: Eve J., born March 22, 1827, now the wife of James Jackson; John N., born Aug. 10, 1830, now living in Missouri; Samuel C., born July 1, 1835, now in Kansas; George W., born Sept. 16, 1845.
William M. Ashloek, a son of the above, was born Nov. 14, 1821, in Ten- nessee, and came to this county, with his parents, in 1828. When 16 years of age, he left home and hired out by the month, on a farm. He continued as a farm hand until his marriage, Feb. 7, 1844, with Naney Gough, a native of Ohio, and a daughter of William Gough, of Ohio. They had 12 children born to them-George K., born March 23, 1845; William H., born April 12, 1847; Mary
V., born March 7, 1849, the wife of Marsh Steele; Eliza J., born Aug. 1, 1850, died July 10, 1857; Margaret I .. and Martha V., twins, born April 23, 1852-the former now the wife of Jacob Hunt, of this township, and the latter the wife of R. Johnson, of Iowa; Min- erva M., born Dec. 18, 1854, wife of James Dixon, of Rockbridge township; Luther N., born June 16, 1857, died Sept. 16, 1858; Harvey H., born April 10, 1859; Julia A., born Nov. 8, 1861, widow of Caleb Dixon; Henry C., born Oct. 23, 1864; Lucy E., born Jan. 4, 1867, died Dec. 14, 1884. Mr. and Mrs. Ashlock and their children are ment- bers of the Baptist church, while he is also an A. F. and A. M. He has held the offices of township trustee and sehool director of his district several terms. He now owns 800 acres of improved lands, on which he has good improve- ments, and carries on farming and stock- raising. He is a breeder of thorough- bred horses of the Lexington family. His brood now consists of 10 mares and a stallion. His stallion, Cape Race, was foaled in 1869, by Lexington and Zene, by The Cure. One of his get, King Lion, sold by Mr. Ashlock to Daniel O'Connor, won $5,000 for his owner last season. Mr. Ashloek sold him as a three-year-old for $500. The Ashlock family is one of the well known ones of this county, and are much re- spected by all their friends and ac- quaintances.
George K. Ashlock, a son of William M. and Nancy (Gough) Ashlock, was born in Linder township, Greene county, Ill., in 1845. He was reared to agricul- tural pursuits, and received his educa- tion in the district schools, also attend-
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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
ing school in Carrollton, two years. Ile was united in marriage, in 1868, with Cynthia A. Hudson, a native of this county, and the daughter of Wil- liam W. Hudson. Mr. and Mrs. Ash- lock have been the parents of. four children-George A., Laura J., died March 14, 1872, aged one year and one month; Elizabeth E., and Edward L. Mr. and Mrs. Ashlock, and their eldest daughter, are members of the Baptist church, while he is also a member of Carrollton lodge, A. F. and A. M. Mr. Ashlock is now the owner of 200 acres of well improved land in Linder town- ship, and is engaged in farming and stock raising, having a few thorough- bred horses. In politics, he is a staunch supporter of the republican party, and at present is a member of the school board of his district. His father is numbered among the early settlers of the county, and a sketch of whom will be found in its proper place in this volume.
Harvey H. Ashlock was born in (freene county, Ill., April 10, 1859, and is a son of William M. and Nancy (Gough) Ashlock. He was married Dec. 20, 1881, to Emma B. Hankins, and to them one child was born-Elmer Blaine, born July 23, 1885. Mr. Ashlock resides upon one of his father's farms, which contains 120 acres, all under cul- tivation. In politics he is a republican. In 1881 he became a member of Carroll- ton lodge No 150, A. F. & A. M., and since received the degree of R. A. M., and is a member of the chapter and com- mandery. Mr. and Mrs Ashlock are members of Providence Paptist church.
John Hardcastle came to Linder town- ship in 1829, and commenced life upon
a farm. He was a native of Caroline county, Md., born Jan. 27, 1792. In 1824, with his three brothers, he came to the state of Illinois, and located in the town of Carrollton, where they es- tablished a carpenter and cabinet shop, and also did something in the way of farming. On the 9th of June, 1829,John Hardcastle and Margaret Hamilton were united in marriage. They lived here until overtaken by death. They had a family of 10 children, six of whom are living. Mr. Hardcastle was called to cross the dark river, Sept. 16, 1874; his wife died March 27, 1882.
In 1832, John Heaton and Benjamin Spuance came here and entered the east half of section 14, which they im- proved. Both are long since dead.
Among other settlers of about this time may be mentioned the names of John Stacy, a Mr. Morris, and Rev. Ab- ner Hill.
John Richardson settled on section 13, the same year. He was an English- man, and sometime after his arrival was married to a daughter of John Bar- nett. He lived here a number of years, but finally sold out and located near Shipman, where he still resides.
Amos MePheron came to Greene county, in 1832, and settled upon land, which he entered, on section 26, and is still a resident on the old homestead. He was born in Knox county, Tenn., Sept. 22, 1796, being a son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Campbell) McPheron. Here- moved to Morgan county, Ill., Dec. 28, 1828, where he rented a farm. In the winter of 1832, he came to Greene county and settled on section 26, Lin- der township, where he now lives and owns 40 acres of land. He was married
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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
in 1819 to lletty Morris, a native of Virginia. By that marriage 10 children were born-Samuel, now in Missouri; William, now in Missouri; James A., of Carrollton township; Hester A .; Lu- cinda J., who died in 1833; Alexander and Lorenzo D., both died young; Eliza A., wife of Robert Hudelson, of Ma- coupin county; Henry C., now in Kan- sas. Mrs. MePheron died in 1841, and Mr. McPheron was again married, in 1842, to Elizabeth Meldrum, the widow of George Meldrum. By this marriage two children were born-Margaret A., wife of James Hankins; and Charles W., of Linder township. Mr. and Mrs. MePheron are still living upon the old homestead, having arrived at a ripe old age, and they are much respected by their neighbors and friends.
Charles W. McPheron, a son of Amos and Elizabeth (Meldrum) MePheron, nee Stout, was born in Linder township, Greene county, Ill., in 1846. He was reared on a farm, and received his edu- eation in the district schools of his neigborhood. He was united in mar- riage, in 1872, with Anna Lanham, a native of this county, and the daughter of Edward and Elizabeth Lanham. They have been blessed with two children -- James H. and Roy. Mr. and Mrs. MePheron are consistent members of the M. E. church, and he is also a mem- ber of Carrollton lodge, No. 150, A. F. & A. M. He owns 80 acres of improved land on seetion 27, Linder township, where he is engaged in agricultural pur- snits.
Among the pioneers of this section of the county was Joshua Secor, who, in May, 1833, immigrated to this county, and settled on section 13, in this town-
ship, after a short stay in Carrollton. He was a native of Westchester county, New York, born in 1782. The Secors were decendents of the French Hugue- nots, of the 17th and 18th centuries, who, foreed to fly their native land, settled in this country. Joshua learned the trade of cabinet making. He was mar- ried in Morristown, New Jersey, June 27, 1810, to Tryphenia Raynor, a native of that state, who was born June 19, 1790. Shortly before his marriage, he removed to Charleston, S. C., but after one year, returned north, locating in Greene county, Penn., where he resided until coming here. He entered the west half of seetion 13, and being in the possession of means, and energy, soon had everything in good shape. He built the first saw-mill in Illinois, that was propelled by wind. This stood near where George Secor now lives. It was afterward destroyed by fire. He resided on his original purchase, until after the death of his beloved wife, which sad event occurred Dee. 23, 1859. A short time thereafter, he went to live with his son, Elijah J., making his home with him, until Oct. 24, 1873. He and his wife were both members of the Presbyterian church, he always taking an active part in church matters, as leader of the choir, he being a natural musician. He received his education in an academy, at IForse Neck, N. Y., in 1800. He then went to the city of New York, where his father bound him to a cabinet maker. Ile worked at his trade there, till 1810, when he went to Morristown, N. J., and formed a part- nership with Silas Miller, in the manu- facturing business, which they contin- ued a short time. He then removed to
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