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 119

Author:
Publication date: 1885
Publisher: Springfield, Ill. : Continental Historical
Number of Pages: 1150

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 119

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With Mr. Thomas came no less a per- son than Thomas Carlin, afterwards one of the most prominent men of this state, and its governor from 1838 to 1842. He is spoken of at length in the chapter entitled National, State and County Rep- resentation, in this volume. On coming here, Mr. Carlin left his companion, Samuel Thomas, and inelining to the east, journeyed on north and made a settlement on section 23, where he erceted a cabin in the southern part of what is now the corporation of the city of Carrollton. Here he resided for some years.

Thomas Hall, a native of North Caro- lina came to this township in 1819, and

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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

settled on section 32, where he resided until 1854, when he died. A sketch of him is found elsewhere in this volume, in a biography of Joseph C. Reynolds, of Woodville township, whose wife is a daughter of Mr. Hall. He has two sons -Enoch and Samuel now living near Virden, Macoupin Co.

John Dodgson, a native of "White Cliffed Albion." came to Greene county in 1820, and located about two miles north of Carrollton. in this township. He died here in 1848. A sketch of him occurs in connection with that ofhis son James Dodgson, in Wrights township.

Andrew Pinkerton, another of the hardy pioneers, came from Kentucky, in 1820, and located upon section 25 in this township, where he built an hum- ble log cabin, in which he lived until 1860, when he erected a frame building, in which he still resides. Another brother and sister, John and Elizabeth, came with the family. The latter is still living at Berdan, with her brother, Andrew. John died about the year 1865, and in his will bequeathed $2,000 to the government to pay his share of the public debt.

James Pinkerton, the father of sey- eral of the most prominent and influen- tial citizens, brought his family from Kentucky to Greene county, in 1820, and made a farm on Sec. 26, T. 11, R. 12. He was a native of the "Emerald Isle." He bought 80 acres of land on coming here, where he lived until overtaken by death, in 1840.

Andrew Pinkerton is a native of Adair county, Ky., and was born December 31, 1799. He is a son of James and Mary (Foster) Pinkerton, his father a native of Ireland, his mother of Vir-

ginia. In 1820 he, with his parents, came to Greene county and located where the village of Berdan now lies, his father buying 80 acres of land on which he re- sided until his death, which occurred Feb. 19, 1840. His mother, Mrs. Mary Pinkerton died Oct. 9, 1834, and both are buried side by side in the Berdan cemetery. Andrew was 21 years of age when he came to this county and he re- mained with his parents two or three years after coming here. He had been brought up to farm life, but worked at the turner's trade five or six years. Ile then bought 80 acres of land on to which he moved and has since resided. In the year 1825 he was united in marriage with Ellen Johnson, daughter of Isaac and Catherine (Reeds) Johnson. This union was blessed with seven children, four of whom are living-Mary J., born June 6, 1826 ; James G., born June 6, 1830, married Martha Waltrip and resides in Carrollton township ; Sarah A., born Nov. 26, 1836, married James A. Wood and resides in Kansas ; Eliza E., born Aug. 21, 1844. Mr. Pinkerton is yet enjoying life at the advanced age of 86 years. He is one of the old pioneers of the county and has witnessed the great changes which have been made here during the past 65 years. Mrs. Pinker- ton died Dec. 11, 1881.

William Pinkerton located on section 25 in 1820, and built a log cabin. In a short time he removed to another quar- ter of the same section, where he made a homestead and a residence until his death.

J. K. Pinkerton was born in Greene county, Illinois, February 7, 1844, his parents being William and Sarah (Vin- yard) Pinkerton, his father a native of

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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

Tennessee, his mother of Kentucky. His father came to Greene county in 1820 and located on section 25, where he entered 80 acres of land. This he afterward sold to his brother Andrew, and entered 160 aeres on the same sec- tion, on which he built a log cabin and there spent the remainder of his days, his death occurring in 1860. His mother also died that year. Our subject was reared to the pursuits of agriculture and has always remained at the old home- stead. He received his education in the common schools. He was married May 11, 1873, to Etta Thaxton, daughter of Henry and Marinda (Daniels) Thax- ton. This union has been blessed with five children - Bert, Fannie, Elsie, Floyd, and Herbert. Mr. Pinkerton now owns 160 acres of land and is en- gaged in general farming. In 1883 he bought an Eclipse engine and separator, and he now does about all the thresh- ing in his neighborhood. He is an ener- getie and successful farmer, and a well respected citizen.

John Drum settled in Greene county in 1820, on the Alfred Hinton place, He was a native of North Carolina, and came west as a soldier in the war of 1812. He was married in Madison county, this state, to Gilly Wood, a native of Tennessee. Mr. Drum died in this county.

James Williams was also among the pioneers of the year 1821. He was born in England, in 1795, and came to the United States in 1820, coming to Greene county the following year. At first he engaged in work as a laborer, but was afterwards engaged as butcher and as miller for many years. He died here in 1848.

Peter Dodgson came to Greene county in 1820 with his parents, who settled on section 33, in this township. He was born Jan. 2, 1806, at Colton, York- shire, England. He was a son of John and Elizabeth (Wells) Dodgson. In 1821 he came to Greene county, Ill. May 19, 1825, he was " born again;" in 1832 was ordained local deacon in the M. E. church, and in 1840 was ordained elder. He was blind during nearly the last four years of his life. Having served his generation faithfully, he departed in great peace, Oct. 28, 1868. His wife following him July 25, 1884, and both are buried at the Hopewell cemetery. They were the parents of 12 children, six of whom are living-David, Nathan, Sarah, wife of Patrick Turney; Mary E., wife of John Gilbert; Ornan and Maria L., wife of John G. Winn. Those deceased are Jacob, Peter, John Wesley, William P., Sophia and Eliza E., all of whom are buried in the Hope- well cemetery. Mrs. Dodgson was a native of Kentucky.

David Dodgson was born in Greene county, Ill., Oct. 27, 1849, his parents being Peter and Jane ( Brown) Dodgson, early settlers here. His father loca- ted on section 33, in this township, where he entered quite a tract of land, and later on bought a great deal of sec- ond-handed land. When he entered his land in this county, he had but $50 to start with, and he built a little log cabin and lived in it until he made enough money to build another house. He erected a fine brick residence, and lived in it until his death, Oct. 28, 1868. At the time of his death he owned about 600 acres of land and was a well-to-do farmer, although he started with merely

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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

nothing. Being a minister, he preached at a great many of the funerals, and per- formed a great many of the marriage ceremonies in his neighborhood. David remained with his parents on the farm until he was about 23 years of age, when he was married, April 20, 1854, to Sarah C. Chinn, daughter of James and Sarah (Williams) Chinn. He then be- gan life for himself, buying 12 acres of land on Sec. 4, T. 10, R. 12, on which he moved, and resided there about 18 months. He then sold out there and bought 180 acres on section 13, on to which he moved, and remained there about seven years, adding another 80 acres to his farm during that time. He then traded that tract of land for what was called the Farmer's Home, near Alton, and there resided about a year, when he sold it to Peter Wise for $3,200, and moved on to section 4. He bought 300 acres of land north of Ap- ple creek after coming from Alton, but soon afterwards sold it for $4,500, to B. F. Baldwin. With the money he pur- chased 175 acres of land within a mile of Virden, in Macoupin county, which he kept about 11 months, and then sold for $6,500. He then bought 160 acres of land, within one and one-half miles of where he now resides, for which he paid $1,500, and afterwards added 80 more to it, for which he paid $3,300. The land that his father left to be divided among his two sons was valued at $50 per acre, and cost David about $28.50 per acre, cash. Mr. and Mrs. Dodgson have had seven children born to them, four of whom are living- Leonard P., married Salina N. Lee, resides in Carrollton township; Alice J., wife of Daniel H. MeLaughlin, re-

siding in Piatt county; Carrie B. and Edgar D., at home. The deceased are -- Peter W., Sept. 18, 1885; Laura, Ang. 12, 1876; Sarah Caroline, July 5, 1872. Mr. Dodgson was called to mourn the loss of his wife, March 29, 1872. Ile was again united in marriage Aug. 31, 1877. with Elizabeth (Edwards) Goode, daughter of Ezekiel and Polly (Ruckle) Edwards, natives of Tennes- see. Mr. Dodgson now owns 485 acres of land, all in this township. He deals in stock of all grades, buying and sell- ing. He is a very prominent man, and an intelligent enterprising citizen, and much credit is due him for having made his own way up in life. In 1864 he erected a large two-story brick resi- dence at a cost of about $5,000, cutting all the wood used therein, and burning all the bricks, himself. About the year 1865, he built a store at the corner opposite the C. & A. depot, in Carroll- ton, which cost him about $1,700, and there engaged in business a short time, when he sold out for $2,000. Through the first tract of land which he owned, he gave the right of way, for half a mile, to the C. & A. R. R., this showing his liberality and enterprise. He also gave $100 for the erection of the C. &. A. depot, at Carrollton.

Ornan Dodgson was born in Greene county, Ill., Oct. 18, 1844, and is a son of Peter and Jane (Brown) Dodgson, early pioneers of this county, a full sketch of whom is given elsewhere. Af- ter the death of their father, Ornan, David and their mother, erected a fine monument to his memory, having a his- tory of his life inscribed on the tomb. The two sons have also had a large mon- ument erected to the memory of their

HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 1009

mother since her departure. Ornan re- mained at home with his parents dur- ing their lifetime, being reared to the duties of farm life, and has always re- sided at the old homestead. About the year 1880 he purchased a house and two lots in Roodhouse, which he now rents out. He owns 264 acres of land, all in Carrollton township except 80 acres, which is in T. 11, R. 12. He was united in marriage, March 11, 1869, with Sarah L. Baines, daughter of Robert and So- phia (Wright) Baines. By this union there was one child, who died in infancy. Mr. Dodgson is a member of the M. E. church, of the Carrollton circuit, in which he has held the office of steward and class leader. He has served his township as director of the district school for one term. He is an enter- prising, intelligent citizen, highly es- teemed by all, for his honesty and integ- rity of purpose.

John Morfoot, his wife, Elizabeth, and family, natives of "White Cliffed England," started for the United States in 1820, and landing in New York pro- ceeded to the west and passed the win- ter in East St. Louis, and in 1821, came to Greene county and located on section 3, where he resided until 1332, when he died. His widow survived until 1874. With them came their son, afterwards one of the substantial men of the county.

Abraham Bowman, in 1820, settled west of Carrollton, where he resided un- til his death. He was born in Warren county, Ohio, in 1804. Ile was at one time judge of the county court of this county.

Richard Ward and his family, natives of Yorkshire, England, crossed the stormy ocean and journeyed to the far

west, and landed in Greene county in the winter of 1821, and bought out some improvements on Sec. 32, T. 10, R. 12, where he lived until removed by death. With them came their son, Jonas, who was for many years one of the promi- nent agriculturalists of the county. In 1828, he was united in marriage with Hester Fry, a native of Kentucky, by whom he had four children. He died Nov. 13, 1877.

Ward Eldred came to Greene county in 1818, seeking a home, and found land to his liking on section 20, of this town- ship. He had come afoot, with a cousin, from the state of New York, camping out on the way. They re- turned to their home the same year, and in the early spring he, with his father and brothers, came by flat-boat, and, after one summer spent in the vicinity of Alton, came to this county in 1821, and located on the farm he had selected. Mr. Eldred died here in 1851.

William Eldred, who had been living in Madison county, came over into Greene county in 1821, and made a set- tlement, with his family, on the north- west quarter of Sec. 20, T. 10, R. 12. He was a native of Warren, Litchfield county, Conn., born in 1791, but lived for many years, in Herkimer county, N. Y., where he was united in marriage with Ruth Brace. He came west in 1820, landing in Madison county, May 20, where he resided until April 12, 1821, when he came here. He had pre- viously left his family and come to Greene county, purchased some 400 acres of land, and erected a small hewed log cabin, in which he installed his fam- ily. Here he resided until called by the angel of death, July 8, 1856.

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Leonard E. Eldred was born in Greene county, Ill .. Dec. 26, 1827, and is a son of William and Ruth (Brace) Eldred, his father a native of Connecticut, his mother of Herkimer county, N. Y. His father came to Greene county in 1821 and located on section 20, where he en- tered land, and resided until his death in 1856. Leonard was reared on a farm, remaining with his parents until he was married, when he went to do for himself. He was united in marriage, June 23, 1863, with Sarah J. Gilchrist, daughter of James and Ann B. (Dickey) Gilchrist. By this union they are the parents of two children-William G. and Leonard K. Mr. Eldred now owns 240 acres of land on Secs. 17 and 20 in T. 10, R. 12, he residing on one-half of the home- stead, where he has a nice comfortable home and is pleasantly situated. His brother Elon A. lives on the other half of the homestead. In December, 1872, Mr. Eldred and his wife removed to Fre- mont county, Colorado, where they re- mained seven years, spending the win- ters at Canon City, the county seat of Fremont county, and the summers on his ranch on Wilson creek, among the mountains, where he has a herd of cat- tle. Mr. and Mrs. Eldred, their oldest son, William, and her mother, Mrs. A. B. Gilchrist, are all members of the Presbyterian church at Carrollton. Mr. Eldred is a member of lodge No. 50 of the Masonic fraternity, and also of chapter No. 77, R. A. M. He is an in- telligent, enterprising citizen and stands high in the estimation of all who know him.

Elon A. Eldred was born in Greene county, July 11, 1842, his parents being William and Ruth (Brace) Eldred, men-

tion of whom is made in the foregoing sketch. Elon remained with his parents until he was 21 years of age, assisting in the duties of farm life, when he was married and started out for himself. He located on section 20, where he has since resided, all the improvements being made by himself. He has a nice com- fortable residence and a good home pleasantly located. He has been mar- ried three times-first, on Sept. 17, 1863, to Helen A. Dorson, a daughter of Charles Dorson, and by this union there was one child-Charles D. Mrs. Eldred died Feb. 12, 1865, and on May 26, 1871, he was again married to Jane E. Thomas, daughter of John I. and Ann Thomas. By this union there were two children, both of whom are deceased. April 21, 1876, Mr. Eldred was again called to mourn the loss of his wife. He was again married Feb. 4, 1879, to Mattie A. Robertson, daughter of John and Mary Robertson. Mr. Eldred now owns 389 acres of land on sections 4, 17 and 20, in this township, his residence being on section 20. He raises stock of all kinds, making a specialty of Poland-China hogs and Durham cattle. He deals ex- tensively in stock, and his surroundings show him to be an enterprising citizen. He was elected associate judge in 1884, and has been a member of the board of supervisors since April, 1885, having been elected by a majority of 304 in Carrollton township, and 23 in the county. He and his family are mem- bers of the Presbyterian church at Car- rollton.

Elon Eldred was born in Connecticut, in 1802. In an early day his parents moved to Herkimer county, N. Y., where Elon grew to manhood. About

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the year 1820 glowing accounts of the the west reached his ears, and accord- ingly thither he directed his footsteps. Pleased at the prospect, he returned again to the east, where he united his fortunes with Jane Stuart, and shortly thereafter returned to Illinois, and set- tled at Edwardsville, Madison county, and shortly after, in 1822, located in Greene county, on the farm lately owned by Frank M. Bridges. When the family became fairly located in Greene county, a cabin composed of hewn logs was erected, it being some eighteen feet square, this forming the main structure. In after years, other buildings composed of logs, but of smaller dimensions, were erected for the accommodation of hands, Mr. E. becoming largely engaged in the manufacture of castor oil. After a long life of usefulness, while Elon Eldred, who had journeyed to a farm owned by him in Montgomery county, was on his return trip, and near Girard, in Ma- coupin county, he was taken violently ill, and expired very suddenly.

Archibald W. Bridges, a young man at the time, made a settlement in this township, in 1822. He was a native of North Carolina, born March 21, 1802. Shortly after coming here, he was married to Dorlesky Eldred, who was born in Connecticut, Aug. 25, 1803. They have long since passed to "that land, from whose bourne no traveler ever returns." They were the parents of the following children-Julia E., Anthony S., Sylvester H., Jehosophat E., Frank M., Ornan W., Drusilla J., Thaddeus H., Ruth E., and Cassius E.

Thos. Meek and wife, Anna (Barnes) Meek, both natives of Yorkshire, Eng., left the green lanes and hawthorn

hedges of the little island, and immi- grated to the United States in 1821, and came to Greene county, the same fall. On their arrival, they settled on Sec. 34, in T. 11, R. 12, which farm they made their residence until their deaths. Thomas died in Jan., 1865, his wife in Oct., of the same year.

On June 10, 1822, a colony of English people, from the neighborhood of Wigton, Cumberland county, left their home in the North of England, for the "land of the free." They came to Liverpool, and embarked on the Ning- ara, which proved unseaworthy, and, suffering a wreck when but 10 or 15 miles from that port, put back, and en- gaged passage on the brig Yamacrow, Bates, captain, and made the voyage to New York in 47 days. The names of these colonists were : James Hobson, Elizabeth Hobson, Peter Hobson, John Hobson, Thomas Hobson, Mary Hob- son, Robert Hobson, Jane Hobson, sis- ter of the former, John Hobson, Mar- garet Black, John Black, David Black, Win. Black, Thomas Black, Elizabeth Black, John Armstrong, Isaac Richard- son, Chas. F. Hobson, Ruth Richard- son, Jeremiah Richardson, Elizabeth Richardson, and Geo. Beaty. From New York they journeyed both by wagon and flat-boat, and settled in the neighborhood of Mount Pleasant, which was supposed to be the future seat of justice of the county. These settle- ments were all in the southwest quarter of township 10, range 12.

Thomas Black was born in Cumber- land county, Eng., Nov. 5, 1810, his parents being William and Margaret (Hobson) Black, natives of Cumberland, Eng. His father died June 17, 1817,

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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

and was buried in the parish of Wig- ton. When but 11 years old, Thomas' mother and family decided to leave their native country, and took passage at Liverpool, on the vessel Yamacrow, bound for New York. On arriving there, they started for Illinois, coming much of the way in a two-horse wagon. They landed in Greene county, about Dec. 20, 1822, locating on section 28, where his uncle, Robert Hobson, had laid out a town, called Mt. Pleasant, and the year following, located on section 21. Mr. Hobson had entered more than 1,400 acres of land, in 1821, and Mrs. Black took the control of 500 acres on which she farmed, and there resided until her death, Feb. 7, 1854. Thomas then took charge of the homestead, and since resided on it. He has been three times married; first to Adele E. Russell, daughter of William and Murtilla (He- purn ) Russell by which union there were three children, only one of whom is liv- ing-William Armstrong, married Kate Bowman, and resides in Pawnee county, Neb., Mrs. Black died Aug. 22, 1839, and he was again married Oct. 17, 1842, to Cornelia P. Wood, daughter of Eli- sha K. and Emily M. Wood. By that union there were six children, five of whom are living-George E., married Mary Maxwell, resides in Saline county, Mo .; Charles A., married Margaret Rowe, resides in Saline county, Mo .; Harriet R., wife of Charles W. Keeley, living in Carrollton; Adela M., wife of Arthur Secor, residing in Linder town- ship, and Kent W., residing in Carroll- ton. Mr. Black's wife died April 22, 1865, and he was again married Sept. 21, 1869, to Martha E. Robinson, daugh- ter of Gregory and Louisa Robinson.

This marriage has been blessed with three children-Russell B., Ella L. and Robert T. Mr. Black owns 440 acres of land, mostly under cultivation, there being but 40 acres of timber. His land lies on sections 20, 21, 28, and 36, in Carrollton township, and section 18, in Woodville township. He is an enter- prising farmer, hence has been very suc- cessful, and is surrounded with all the comforts of life. Mr. and Mrs. Black are members of the Baptist church.

William Black was born near Wigton, in Cumberland, Eng., April 6, 1807, his parents being William and Marga- ret (Hobson) Black, natives of England, where his father died, June 17, 1817, and was buried at Wigton. His mother and five children-John, David, Wil- liam, Thomas and Elizabeth, left Eng- land, June 10, 1822, and took passage at Liverpool on a vessel bound for New York. On arriving at that port, they started west in a two-horse wagon, com- ing as far as Pittsburg, where they bought a flat boat, on which they loaded their wagon and team, and came as far as Wheeling by boat, but the water get- ting so low, they disposed of their flat boats and started out again with the wagon. They came as far as Louisville, Ky., where all but one of the company took the water again, and came to Shaw- neetown, where John Armstrong met them with a team, and brought them to Greene county, landing here about Dec. 20, 1822. They located on section 21, where his mother owned 500 acres of land, on which she resided until her death, Feb. 7, 1854. William remained with his mother until he was 23 years of age when he started out in life for him- self, locating on section 32 in this town-

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ship, where he purchased 200 acres of land, on which he has since resided. He was married March 27, 1830, to Car- oline Woodman, daughter of Elijah and Catherine (Clifton) Woodman. This union was blessed with eight children, only three of whom are living-John, married Delilah Early, and resides in this township; Catherine, wife of Curtius Brace, residing in Kane; Alice E., wife of James Cullimore, residing in Carroll- ton. Those deceased are-Oscar, James, Charles, Henry and Orville. Mr. Black has, by thrift and energy, added to his land until he now has 317 acres, all on section 32, which is under cultivation and nicely improved. Mr. Black is one of the pioneer settlers of Greene county, and has been through all the hard times incident to the building up of tho new country. He is highly esteemed by all who know him, or have any dealings with him. Mr. Black' started out in politics as a whig, but now votes the republican ticket.

Peter Hobson, deceased, was born in Cumberland county, England, Sept. 29, 1804, his parents being James and Eliz- abeth (Goldsmith) Hobson, natives of England. When he was in his 18th year he came with his parents to Amer- ica, they coming as far west as Greene county, Ill., arriving here the last of December, 1822. They located on land that was previously purchased in 1821, at the land sale of the government. He worked on the homestead from the time he was tall enough for his head to reach as high as the plow handles. His ear- ly life was spent in the usual pioneer fashion, with an interest of no ordinary nature. A few short years before that, the red men had been as numerous as

the leave of the forest, but were com- pelled to go farther westward as the en- croachments of the white man drove them from the domain where they had hunted from childhood. On Dec. 18, 1848, Mr. Hobson was married to Mary Chorn, daughter of Jesse and Ann (Samuels) Chorn. This union was bless- ed with seven children, five of whom are living-Thomas, married Bell Wood, resides in Montgomery county, on land which his father entered; Robert, George Charles and William. Two died in in- fancy. Mr. Hobson, a man of wonder- ful vitality, had always been a hard worker, but was unfortunately stricken down with paralysis, and it was a source of deep regret to his many friends. He departed this life Dec. 19, 1884, and was laid to rest in the Carrollton ceme- tery. IIe and his brother Thomas were engaged for several years in running a flouring mill, on his farm, in which business they continued until after the war. The mill was then sold out and moved to Carrollton, where it burned down a few years afterward. The fam- ily now owns the farm, consisting of 532 acres of land, 132 acres of which lies on section 29 in this township, a part in Woodville township and the balance in Montgomery county. Mrs. Hobson and her son, Robert, are now guardians of the property. The family is well respected and highly esteemed by all who know them.

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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 119

Author: Publication date: 1885 Publisher: Springfield, Ill. : Continental Historical Number of Pages: 1150

Author:
Publication date: 1885
Publisher: Springfield, Ill. : Continental Historical
Number of Pages: 1150