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 132

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 132

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Orphans' Hope lodge, No. 1431, K. of H., was organized March 5, 1879, by J. H. Vinson, D. G. D., with the follow- ing charter members: G. W. Trask, R. B. Winn, A. W. Foreman, F. E. Huddle, J. S. Brooks, A. F. Vedder, L. HI. Wagner, J. E. Welch, R. F.Clark, W. C. Baker, Charles Richert, E. L. Brown, J. Culbertson, M. H. Walker, J. S. Brown, C. W. Henry, G. R. Fan. ning, J. W. Henry, F. M. Frost, H. J. Wells, John King, Wm. Sykes, Conrad Weis, W. J. Goodall, S. Culbertson, E. L. Simonds and J. F. Walker. The following were the first officers of the society: E. W. Foreman, D .; J. Cul- bertson, J. D .; E. L. Brown, A. D .; J. E. Welch, R .; A. F. Vedder, F. R .; W. C. Baker, T .; G. W. Trask, C .; C. W. Henry, G .; R. B. Winn, Gn .; E. L. Si- monds, S .; A. W. Foreman, M. E .; F. E. Huddle, P. D. There is a present membership of 33, and the lodge is highly prosperous. The present officers are: C. W. Henry, D .; J. W. Turner, V. D .; W. M. Ballard, A. D .; R. B. Winn, R .; E. W. Foreman, F. R .; B.W. Greer,C .; C. Richert, T .; S. Culbertson, G,; J. S. Baker, Gn .; Chas. Handler, S .;

A. W. Foreman, M. E .; and C. Richert, P. D.

MUNICIPAL.

The city of White Hall was incorpor- ated, by an act of the general assembly, as a town, in 1836. No record exists, or is accessible, of the early officers, and the names of but two are remen- bered-Archibald Clark and Chester Swallow. In 1838 another charter was obtained containing greater powers, and this answered until 1869, when a new charter was obtained from the same source. At that time, Samuel Higbee was elected president, and P. Brantzel, W. B. Harper, S. V. Villinger, J. Smith and G. S. Vosseller, trustees. In 1884, the place was duly incorporated as a city, and the following officers were elected-Seneca D. Chapin, mayor; R. S. Worcester, clerk; Isaac Powell, treas- urer; Thomas Henshaw, attorney; F. I. Vedder, marshal; T. P. Hackney, super- intendent of streets; Robert Necce, superintendent of lamps; aldermen, 1st ward-Nulton F. Worcester and Alfred White; 2d ward-D. Culbertson and A. O. Vosseler; 3d ward-M. C. Purdy, and Michael Brantzel.

The present officers of the city are Seneca D. Chapin, mayor; R. S. Wor- cester, clerk; Isaac Powell, treasurer; Thomas Henshaw, attorney; M. Il. Walker, marshal; A. B. Harrison, superintendent of streets; Robert Neece, superintendent of lamps. The city council is composed of the following alderman-N. E. Perkins, Alfred White, David Culbertson, T. J. Grant, Jr., M. C. Purdy, and R. B. Winn.

PROMINENT CITIZENS.

James T. Henley, a prominent citi- zen of White Hall, was born in Albe-

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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

marle county, Va., Oct. 31, 1833. He is a son of Samuel and Frances (Davis) lIenley, also natives of Virginia, where they were married. His father was of English extraction, his mother of Eng- lish and French. Samucl learned the miller's trade in Virginia, which busi- ness he followed until about 1836, when they immigrated to St. Louis, where he purchased property and engaged in milling for Catheart & Walsh, a promi- nent milling firm of that day. He then sold his property in St. Louis and pur- chased a farm in St. Charles county and turned his attention to farming. Mrs. Ilenley died there, and after remaining a few years, Mr. Henley sold his farm and removed to St. Louis. He died there in 1883, at the advanced age of 86 years. They had a family of six chil- dren, James T. being the fourth. After his first wife's death, Mr. Henley was again married to Mrs. Williams, who is also deceased. James T. was reared on the farm and received but a limited ed- ucation, such as was afforded in the log school house of that day, when they had slab benches for seats, but by study has acquired a good, practical educa- tion. He is quite a reader and has a li- brary containing many standard works. He was married Feb. 18, 1862, to Julia A. Hume, a native of Missouri, born March 11, 1841. She is a daughter of Stanton and Sarah (Breckenridge) Hume, an own cousin of Hon. John C. Breckenridge, vice president during President Buchanan's term of office. Her parents went from Kentucky to Mis- souri, where her father died. Her mother is still living. Mrs. Henley was the 10th of a family of 12 children. Mr. Henley resided in Missouri until

April 3, 1863, when he came to Greene county, Ill., and settled on his farm near Wilmington, now called Patterson, which he had previously purchased, and there engaged in agricultural pur- suits, which he still follows. May 9, 1874, he purchased the residence prop- erty, built and occupied by Judge Bald- win, in White Hall, and still resides there. Mr. Henley has been quite suc- cessful, financially, and has accumu- lated until he now owns 845 acres of land, 45 acres of which are within the city limits of White Hall. Mr. and Mrs. Henley are the parents of three children-Fannie D., Cora M. and Sallie B. Mr. Henley's political views are democratic. He is a materialist in re- ligion.

John W. Vinyard, one of White Hall's prominent citizens, is a native of this county, having been born within its limits, Jan. 11, 1844. He is a son of Squire and Jane (Manley) Vinyard, who are noticed in other places in this work. John W. was reared in this county, and here received his educa- tion, principally at the Giller school house. For 12 years after leaving school he was engaged in the general merchan- dise business, as a partner with his father. During that time he managed the business. He then went to reside on a farm, and engaged in the stock business. In 1873, he was united in marriage with Ann Doyle, a daughter of Gregory and Elizabeth (Wood) Doyle. By this marriage there are five children -Frances, Lizzie, Stanley, Lloyd, de- ceased, and Earl.

Albert H. Owings was born near Win- chester, Scott county, Ill., May 25, 1853, and is a son of Mordecai and Cynthia

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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

(Adkinson) Owings. His father is a na- tive of Kentucky, his mother of Ten- nessee, and they have been engaged through life in the pursuit of agricul- ture. Albert received his education in the district schools near Winchester, and followed farming until 1881, when he engaged in the dry goods business at Winchester, where he continued two years. Hle then came to White Hall, and in partnership with his brother Milton, opened up in the same business here, which they carried on until the Iatter part of Oct., 1885. In the spring of 1874, Mr. Owings was married to Mary J. Oleameyer, a daughter of Peter and Lucinda (Beasley) Oleameyer, na- tives of Germany, and of Scott county, Ill., respectively. Mr. and Mrs. Ow- ings are the parents of four children, only two of whom are now living-Ber- tie and Etta Belle. Those deceased are -Percy and Robert. Mrs. Owings is a member of the Baptist church, and Mr. Owings, of the M. E. church. He is also a member of the K. of H. lodge of White Hall. Mr. Owings is an ener- getic business man, and any failure to make a success of any business he may undertake during life can never be at- tributed to a lack of industry on his part.

Absalom Mitchell, one of White Hall's residents, belongs to that class of citi- zens who, having accumulated a compe- teney by application to agricultural life, have retired from active pursuits, and come to the city to live in comfort upon the fruits of early labors. He was born in Indiana, Feb. 9, 1835, and is a son of Amos and Nancy (Fulford) Mitchell, natives of Ohio and Kentucky, respect- ively. His father, who was a farmer,

died in 1837; his mother died in 1868. Absalom was educated in the common schools in Indiana, and then adopted farming as his future work. In 1864, he removed to this state and county and purchased a large farm, which he culti- vated until 1882, when he sold out and removed to White Hall, which is now his residence. In 1859, he was united in marriage with Jennie Deviney, a daughter of George Washington and Rebecca (Hill) Deviney, who were, respectively, natives of Tennessee and Missouri. Her father, who followed farming, died many years ago. Her mother died in 1879. Mrs. Mitchell was born Aug. 6, 1841. By this mar- riage there have been 11 children, of whom only one, Myrtie Elizabeth, is now living. Of the others, all died young, save Rosetta, who was the first child; she was married at the time of her death.

William M. Vinyard, a well known known farmer and and land owner, of Greene county, residing in the south- west quarter of White HIall city, is a native of Greene county. He was born near Walkerville on Aug. 6, 1837. Ilis parents are both natives of Kentucky, and came to Ilinois about 1823. Ilis father, Squire Vinyard, followed farm- ing and money loaning until his death, Dec. 26, 1880, having outlived his wife by some 25 years. William M. Vinyard was reared in this county, receiving his education in its common schools. Ile was brought up to farm life, and has made agriculture his business. In 1860 he purchased his first farm of 233 acres, which lies on Sec. 7, T. 11, R. 12, which is still owned by him, together with 160 acres on section 6 of the same township.

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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

Ile then bought 40 acres on section 13, and next 120 acres on sections 9 and 10, all in T. 11, R. 13. After this he added 120 acres more on Sec. 3, T. 11, R. 12, and on the latter tract he now resides. On Feb. 2. 1860, he married Sophia Bains, a native of this county, and of English descent. By this marriage there were three children-Etna A., wife of E. C. Hudson, living near Walk- erville; Lillie B .; and Caroline, who is deceased. June 14, 1864, William M. Vinyard was united in matrimony with Mary J. Murray, also a native of this county. By this marriage there are four children, two of whom are living- William L., and Lee C. Squire C. and Martha J. are deceased. Mr. Vinyard has some very fine tracts of land, and they lie in a fine part of the country. Ile has accumulated considerable wealth in the last 25 years, owing to his ener- getic and enterprising efforts.

Judge Isaac D. Vedder was born in Onondaga county, N. Y., June 5, 1820, his parents being Aaron F. and Nancy (Allen) Vedder, his father a native of New York, his mother of Canada. They removed to Illinois in 1847, but in 1851, they returned to New York, and there spent the balance of their days, dying in the town of Lysander. His father's business was that of a carpenter and joiner. Isaac D. received his education in the common schools of Lysander, after which he was employed as clerk for one year. at Fulton, Oswego county, N. Y. In May, 1840, he came to his present location, in White Hall, where le has ever since resided, except three years, which he spent in Washington City. On coming to this city he sold goods for about five years, and then

worked at the carpenter's trade for two years. In 1847, he received an appoint- ment in the national land-office, at Washington, D. C., which position he retained until 1850. He then returned to White Hall, and formed a partner- ship with A. Davis, in the dry goods business, which continued for six years, when the firm sold out. Mr. Vedder was elected justice of the peace then, but in 1861, he resigned that office, and, forming a partnership with A. Davis and G. S. Vosseller, again embarked in the dry goods business. In the fall of 1864, Mr. Vedder retired from this firm, and in 1866, was appointed a notary public, which office he still holds. In 1872, he purchased Judge Worcester's interest in the wagon and carriage man- ufactory, and engaged in that business five years. He then sold out, and since that he has been doing an agency busi- ness, that of a notary public, and for four years that of police magistrate. Feb. 15, 1849, he married Sarah E. Prettyman, daughter of Thomas and Mary (Pelton) Prettyman, natives of Delaware, and Alexandria, Va., respect- ively. Mrs. Prettyman is now a resi- dent of Washington, D. C. Mr. and Mrs. Vedder are the parents of nine children, cight of whom are living- Nannie, deceased; Ada, wife of Dr. Geo. F. B. Willard, of Vergennes, Vt .; Min- nie; Thomas A., married; Francis L., married; Isaac D., Jr .; Richard P .; Nel- lie and Charles. Mrs. Vedder is a mem- ber of the M. E. church, of Washington city. Mr. Vedder is a member of White Hall lodge, No. 80. He is highly esteemed for his good qualities, his hon- esty and integrity.

William J. Roberts, county superin-

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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

tendent of schools, and editor and pro- prietor of the White Hall Register, was born at Litchfield, Montgomery county, Ill., Jan. 9, 1852. His parents were Wm. H. and Charity (Martin) Roberts, natives of Illinois and Indiana, respect- ively. His father died Aug. 30, 1851, and his widow Nov. 18, 1875. Wil- liam J. was educated in the common schools, and in the high school at Jer- seyville. He has also attended several normal schools. He began business on a farm, which he followed until he was 22 years of age. After finishing his education, he followed school teaching for eight consecutive years. In June, 1881, he was appointed to fill a vacancy in the office of county superintendent. In December of the same year, he was re-appointed for one year. In Novem- ber, 1882, he was elected to hold the office for a term of four years. He is well fitted for the office, both by educa- tion and experience. His early educa- tion was not obtained, however, with- out considerable exertion on his own part. His father having died before our subject was born, his mother was again married to George E. Smith. William J. was not favored with the educational advantages he craved, and at the age of 14 years, he left home to educate himself, his stepfather not tak- ing much stock in such matters. The last year of his teaching experience, he acted as principal of the Roodhouse schools. June 1, 1883, he bought a half interest in the Roodhouse Journal, and in August purchased a half interest in the White Hall Register. July 1, 1884, he purchased the above papers, entire. July 7, 1885, he sold a half in- terest to Milton Owings, and re-pur-

chased the same Oct. 23, 1885, as related elsewhere.

George Hill is a native of England, born in Brighton, Sussex county, in 1836. At the early age of 18 he crossed the ocean, and arriving in New York City, he subsequently made his way to Albany, where he became apprentieed to an architect and builder. On com- pleting his trade he went to Glovers- ville, where he married Sarah Ricks, a daughter of Joseph Rieks, of MeHenry county, Ill. Taking up his residence once more at Albany, he became actively employed at his calling until 1852, when he moved to Fort Plain, where he ereeted many notable buildings, for by this time he had gained an extensive reputation as an architect and builder. During the war he was a soldier in Co. H, 10th N. Y. Zouaves. In 1866 he settled in White Hall, Greene county, and it was not long before his talents and energy as a contractor and builder became manifest and he soon received orders from wealthy parties eontem- plating building. He it was who be- came the architect and builder of some of the more noted business blocks and private residences of White Hall, Rood- house, Greenfield and other points. In 1873, owing to ill health, he abandoned this calling, in which he won the admi- ration of many, and the following year purchased the pottery of W. W. Hubbs; in this, owing to liberality, honesty and industry he transaets a very large trade, having all modern facilities for it.

E. J. Pearce was born in Evansburg, Crawford county, Penn,, Oct. 6, 1839. He worked on a farm in the summer, and eut cordwood in the winter, until his 19th year. He attended distriet

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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

schools a few three-months' terms, dur- ing the winter, and in 1858 entered the academy at New Lebanon, Penn., where he remained until the close of the school year, except during three months of the winter of 1858-9, when he taught school near that place. He also taught a couple of terms of writing school that winter and spring. In the summer of 1858 he engaged to teach a graded school at Cooperstown, Penn., but this term only lasted one week, as the great frost of June 5, destroyed the growing crops. Desiring to seek a warmer climate, he started southward, and after a varied experience, reached Cairo, Va., and set out to find employment. He soon se- eured a school, which he taught until about the first of March, 1860, when, having decided to immigrate to Illinois, he started, and soon arrived at White Hall. The first man he met in White Hall was Marcus Worcester, since deceased. He walked two and a half miles to the residence of his unele, Israel Pierce, that evening. and before night next day had engaged to teach the Floyd school. He taught 13 months in this county at that time. When school closed, in 1862, he engaged in enlisting soldiers for the war. On Aug. 8, 1862, he enlisted as a private in Co. G, 91st Ill. Inft. He was soon after made 1st sergeant, then 2d lieutenant, 1st lieutenant and captain, in succes- sion. He was captured with his regi- ment at Elizabethtown, Ky., Dec. 27, IS62, by John Morgan's forces, and pa- roled. Ile was exchanged in June, 1863, at St. Louis. On the 21st of July he arrived at Vicksburg, Miss., in com- mand of 40 men, guarding 200 desert- ers. Gen. Logan immediately assigned

him to duty at the court house, as as- sistant provost marshal. He remained there eight months and during the time issued all the passes to persons going up and down the river, or through the lines; paroled 3,000 to 4,000 rebel pris. oners; assisted in organizing two negro regiments, and issued orders for rations twice each week for more than 20,000 people. In March, 1864, having re- ceived a promotion, he was ordered to join the regiment at Brownsville, Tex. At the end of the week he embarked on board a propeller, and was soon after placed in charge of a steamboat on the Rio Grande, and at the end of about six weeks detailed as adjutant of the regi- ment, which position he held until he was promoted to captain and was made acting assistant adjutant general of the 2d brigade, 3d division, 13th army corps, in March, 1865. He retained this position all through the Mo- bile campaign, and until his regi- ment was mustered out, at Mobile, July 12, 1865. After his return to White Hall, he taught school in town, and at Giller's school house, until July, 1867, when he was employed to superintend the only elevator in the place. While at work at the elevator, in Feb., 1868, he was surprised by the information that he had been appointed assistant assessor of internal revenue. This po- sition he held until the office was abol- ished. He was then appointed to other revenue positions, and remained in the service until 1876, when, not wishing to be transferred to Chicago, he resigned. He taught school at the Hicks school house, east of White Hall, in 1876-7, and in Feb., 1877, started the White Hall Republican, and entered upon edi-

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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

torial work, as related in the Press chapter. He was a member of the re- publican state central committee from 1878 to 1882, and has always taken an active part in politics, as a speaker and a writer. In 1867, he married Maggie A. Carr, in White Hall. They have five children living-three boys and two girls. Three of their children died in intaney. Mr. Pearee is a ready and forcible writer.

CEMETERY.

The White Hall Cemetery Association was formed Feb. 16, 1865, with L. E. Worcester, Simeon Ross, J. B. Greg- ory, I. D. Vedder and B. G. Culver, in- eorporators. They selected and pur- chased their present beautiful location for a burial ground, on section 2, south of the town, and laid it out and orna- mented it. Many handsome monuments graee the place.

CHAPTER XXVII.

ROODHOUSE TOWNSHIP.

The sub-division of Greene county known as Roodhouse township, is loea- ted in the northern part of the county. and is bounded on the north by Scott eounty, on the east by Athensville town- ship, on the south by White Hall town- ship, and on the west by Patterson town- ship. The land is nearly all prairie land, and is most excellently adapted to ag- ricultural purposes, and for stock-rais- ing. The center of three lines of rail- road, it has the best facilities for the shipment of the produets of the soil, of any township in the county. The thriv- ing town of Roodhouse is located in the southeastern part of the township and is one of the largest business centers of the county.

EARLY SETTLEMENT.

Benjamin Drummond was probably the first settler in this part of the county. He came from Madison county in 1819, and located near where the town of

Roodhouse is now situated and resided there for many years.

John Taylor was the next settler in this township, settling in 1820. He lo- cated on section 3, where he entered a large tract of land and where he lived until his death. The same year there was quite a settlement in this section.

Isaac Hill made his settlement in this township, also, in the year 1820. He made this his home, and became identi- fied with the early development of the county.

John, Robert and Thomas Lorton, made settlements within the limits of what is now Roodhouse township, in 1820, on what was afterward called Lor- ton's prairie. Descendents of these old pioneers are still residents of the county.

Elisha Spencer came to Greene county in 1820, and located in what is now Roodhouse township. He remained here until called to cross the dark gulf

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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

that divides life from death, in 1864. A sketeh of him is given in connection with that of his son, James R., who is a resident of the county.

LEADING CITIZENS.

Below will be found sketches of those who have been active and prominent in the affairs of this township.

Abram J. R. Field, was born in Gib- son county, Ind., Dec. 11, 1825, his par- ents being Joseph and Jane (Kell) Field, his father a native of Kentucky, and his mother of Warwick eounty, Indiana. Joseph, with his parents, immigrated from Kentucky to Gibson county, Ind., when he was quite small, and there they remained until he was 20 years of age. In 1831, he came with his parents to Illinois, and located at Alton, where they remained about one year. There his father hauled and put up the first brieks in Lower Alton. His father removed to what is now Patterson town- ship, in 1832, and entered and bought 2,100 aeres of land, all in one traet. He, with his family, moved into a small log cabin, where he lived several years, and then ereeted a large two-story brick house and made improvements at a cost of several thousand dollars. The im- provements are all good, and at the time of its completion his residence was said to be the finest in the county. Here he lived until his death, which oeenrred in 1880. His mother died in 1849. Our subject was reared on a farm, remaining at home until 21 years of age, when he was married and started in life for him- self, loeating on the homestead, where he remained and farmed three years, when he removed to the town of Patter- son. There he engaged in the merean-

tile business, which he followed for three years, when he sold out and bought 160 acres of land on See. 6, T. 12, R. 12, and a short time after bought another 160, but sold again and bought 141 acres on section 2, and then built a large frame house, two stories in height, at a cost of 85,000. This building burned down, and having no insurance thereon, it was a great loss to Mr. Field. He then removed into his old residence, where he now lives, but only remained there one year, when he bought 175 aeres of land on seetion 5 and removed on to it, where he lived nine years, and then sold out and moved again to his old house, where he has since resided. Mr. Field now owns 1,300 acres of land in Patterson township, 100 aeres in Clay county and 160 aeres on his homestead. He was married May 10, 1846, to Eliza- beth Stone, daughter of Micajah and Elizabeth (Weaver) Stone. They are the parents of 10 children, six of whom are living - Lewis R., married Mary Campbell and resides in Patterson town- ship; Jasper N., married Emma Mann; Doctor C. and Winfield Scott, at home; George W. and Matilda J. The ones deceased are: William, Joseph, Lusetta and Katie, and two who died in infancy. Mr. Field is a member of the I. O. O. F. lodge, and also a member of the K. of P. He has been an extensive stock- dealer until recently, and has now turned his attention to farming entirely. Mr. Field is conservative both in poli- tics and religion, and during the war of the Rebellion, took a deeided stand for the welfare of the Union.

John Spencer was born in Greene county, Ill., April 17, 1837, his parents being William and Parthenia (Tatten)

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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

Spencer, natives of Indiana. His par- ents came to Greene county at an early day, and were among the pioneers. His father entered 40 acres of land on section 14, and also entered land at other places, He remained in Greene county until 1845, when he removed to Morgan county, where he died, Jan. 24, 1885. His mother is yet living. at the advanced age of 80 years, and resides in Morgan county. Our subject was brought up on a farm, remaining at home until 17 years of age, when he started in life for himself, he and his brother, Elisha, renting a farm to- gether, on which they lived and farmed about four years. Ile and his two brothers then bought a threshing ma- chine, which they ran for several years, and also had ox teams and broke rough ground. After he was married, he and his elder brother, Jonas, bought 60 acres of land in Morgan county, and moved on to it, living there four years, when he sold out and bought 170 acres of land. his present homestead, on Secs. 11 and 14, T. 12, R. 11, and moved upon it, where he has since resided. In 1869, he built a large, two-story, frame house, at a cost of $1,500, and also made other costly improvements. He was married March 10, 1858, to Margaret A. Baines, daughter of Solomon and Caro- line S. Baines. They are the parents of 11 children, eight of whom are liv- ing-Franklin P., married to Ella Kel- ler, resides in Morgan county; Mary J , Debbie A., Charlotte, Nancy E., Jennie, Frederick L., and Norman R. The

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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 132

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