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 43

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 43

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William Timpe is a native of Ger- many, and was born April 12, 1833, his parents being Barney and Anna (Muel- ler) Timpe, both of whom were also natives of that country. In 1853 he bade farewell to friends and fatherland, and took passage on a sailing vessel at Bremen, bound for New Orleans, U. S. A., arriving in due season. He went to St. Louis and thence to Alton, where he

remained four years, being engaged in farming. In 1861 he came to this county and located in English town- ship, where he bought 225 acres of land. He was married in Aug., 1855, to Tracy Fall, daughter of Toney Fall. They are the parents of 11 children-Joseph- ine, who is the wife of John Wagman, and living in this township; Lizzie, John, Tracy, Frank, Willie, Joseph, Peter, Anna, Laura and Charles. Mr. and Mrs. Timpe and family are men- bers of the Catholic church. Mr. Timpe is a thorough-going and success- ful farmer, everything about his place indicating the thrift and enterprise of the owner. He is politically a demo- crat. Mr. Timpe is now living with his second wife, who was formerly Mary Madaisie.

William Falkner is a native of this state, and of Madison county. He was born Feb. 12, 1822, his parents being John and Sarah A. (Short) Falkner, both natives of Maryland. His father died March 25, 1825, and his mother March 23, 1853. He was brought up a farmer, and remained with his parents until 26 years old, and until their death. In 1846 he enlisted in the army, and served one year during the Mexican war. He participated in the noted battle of Buena Vista. In 1854 he purchased 60 acres of land on section 31, where he located and has lived since. He was married Feb. 24, 1854, to Edna A. Cooper, daughter of Jonathan and Eleanor (English) Cooper. They are the parents of nine children, eight of whom are now (1885) living-Sarah, who was married to Thomas A. Price, deceased, now living at home; Caddie E., living in Jerseyville; Mary R., now

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HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY.

Louis for a time, then came to Jersey county, where he resided until his de- cease, Dec. 11, 1881. At the time of his death he owned 365 acres of land, and was in prosperous circumstances. IIe was married June 27, 1823, to Eliza- beth Thurston, who died Sept. 13, 1865. They had 12 children, eight of whom are now living-George B .. Gottfried, Wil- liam W., Charles R., Clarissa C., Valen- tine H., Otha O., L. II., and Ulysses C. Nov. 1, 1871, Mr. Kirchner was married to Maria C. Becker, who sur- vives him. By this union there were four children-William H., Henry L., Anna and Emelia. Mrs. Kirchner now owns 85 acres of land, and assisted by her children, carries on farming. The family are all members of the German Lutheran church of Fieldon.

Francis Middendorf, son of John II. and Mary E. (Meyer) Middendorf, was born in Germany on the 28th of April, 1832. His parents were also natives of Germany. In 1855 Francis came to America, accompanied by his mother. Landing at New Orleans they proceeded to St. Louis, and to St. Clair county, Ill., where he remained about four months. He went from there to St. Charles county, Mo., following farming and working in a nursery six months, after which he returned to St. Louis. Six months later he returned to St. Charles county, and remained about one year, then again went to St. Clair county. In 1862 he came to Jersey county, and for four years worked out by the month. At the end of that time he rented a farm in English township, and lived upon the same seven years. He then purchased 120 acres of land on section 19, of the same township, where

he has since lived. He was married Aug. 22, 1866, to Magdala Fairman, daughter of Deidrich Fairman. They are the parents of eight children, seven of whom are living-Louisa, Fritz, Katie, Mary A., Clara E., Mary Mena, and Joseph F. One daughter, Mary, is deceased. Mrs. Middendorf is a member of the Catholic Church. He is an indus- trious man and has secured a comfort- able home.

Peter Blaeser was born in Germany, Aug. 13, 1851, being a son of Henry and Agnes (Reichard) Blacser, also natives of Germany. Peter grew to manhood in that country, and when quite young learned the carpenter's trade, which oc- cupation he has followed most of the time since. On attaining his majority he entered the Prussian army and served three years. In 1876 he bade farewell to the fatherland, and set sail for Amer- ica, embarking at Bremen, on board a steamer bound for Baltimore, where he landed in due time. Ile then came west to Illinois, settling in Putnam county, where he worked two years, after which he located in English town- ship, Jersey county, where he has since remained. Mr. Blaeser was married on the 14th of Jan., 1879, to Mary Schmei- der, daughter of John and Helena Schmeider. They have two children- Mary and Charles J. Mr. and Mrs. Blaeser are members of the Catholic church.

Milo Landon, a prominent resident of English township, was born in what is now Jersey county, March 16, 1838, his parents being Norton and Sarah E. (Falkner) Landon, the former a native of New York and the latter of Pennsyl- vania. His father is now living in Kan-

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sas. His mother died in August, 1882. Milo was brought up on a farm and was employed in the varions duties incident to an agricultural life on the old home- stead until he was 22 years old. He then located on what is now known as the Samuel Hinson farm. Subsequently he sought a location in Kansas and Mis- souri, but finding nothing better than Jersey county, he returned and resumed farming and has since been thus em- ployed. He was married May 20, 1860, to Huldah Hinson, daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth (Cope) Hinson. They are the parents of 10 children, eight of whom are now living-Charles, who is married to Lizzie Reed and living at home; Sarah E., Clara, Edward, Fred- erick, Stella, Elsa and Frank. Those deceased were Orson, who died Jan. 3, 1862, and David who died Jan. 6. 1862. Mr. Landon owns 121 acres of land. He belongs to the A. F. & A. M., of Jersey- ville. With his wife he is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church at Otterville.

Willis Whitlow, a farmer of English township, was born in Greene county, this state, Feb. 13, 1836, his parents being Daniel and Fannie Whitlow. He was brought up on a farm, remaining at home with his parents until about 21 years old. He has traveled over con- siderable country since that time, hop- ing to find some place more agreeable to his tastes. He explored in Southern Kansas, was in Brown county, la., at- tended the World's Fair, at New Or- leans, and went down to the Gulf of Mexico. In September, 1859, he was married to Emeline Moran, daughter of John and Polly (Bush) Moran. They are the parents of six children, four of

whom are now living- Hugh L., Eliza- beth, Luella, and Ida. His wife died Oct. 5; 1881, of lung disease. Mr. Whit- low now owns 198 acres of land, and is an intelligent, respected citizen of this township.

Edward Allen, a citizen of English township, is a native of Ireland, and was born in 1849, his parents being Richard and Margaret (Sweeney) Allen, both of whom were also natives of the Emerald Isle. His parents both died in their native country. Edward immi- grated to this country in 1880. He took passage at Liverpool, Eng., and sailed to Castle Garden, New York, thence he came to Jerseyville and located in Eng- lish township. Here he made his home about two years, then went to Gage and Johnson counties, and for a time there followed farming. He then returned to his homestead in this county, which has since been his home. He was married May 12, 1885, to Mary Ryan. They are both members of the Catholic church at Jerseyville. He cultivates about 30 acres of land.

James P. Powel came to this county at the time of his birth, which occurred March 24, 1856, his parents being O. P. and Sarah (Russell) Powel, native Ten- nesseans, and now residents of this county. The subject of this sketch was brought up on a farm, engaged in the various duties of such an accupation, and, thus employed, remained with his parents until 28 years old. He was ed- ucated in the common schools of the county. which instruction was subse- quently supplemented by two terms at the Jacksonville Business College. He was married June 18, 1885, to Kate Daniels, daughter of J. S. Daniels. He

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HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY.

the wife of Milo Cope, living near Ot- terville; Edna P., who was married to William Falkner, now living in Eng- lish township; John J., William L., Elizabeth S. and Charles N. The one deceased was Mary E., who was married to John Morris. Mr. Falkner owns 60 acres of land on section 36. He, with his wife, is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church at Otterville. He is a highly respected citizen of his township, and would be a valuable acquisition to any community.

John G. Erwin, a farmer of English township, was born in this county, Feb. 1, 1841, his parents being William and Hannah (Brown) Erwin, the former a native of South Carolina and the latter of Missouri. His father was born in 1808 and his mother in 1811, both of whom are still living in Girard, Macou- pin county. The subject of this sketch was brought up on a farm, and received his education mainly in the schools of this county. He attended MeKendree College, at Lebanon, one year, but, on account of sickness, did not there com- plete the intended course. He was married Nov. 27. 1866, to Mary Cock- rell, daughter of George and Minerva (Darlington) Cockrell. They are the parents of four children-Walter E., Charles W., Hattie B. and Louis Elmer. He owns 80 acres of land, all under cul- tivation. He is a member of the A. F. and A. M. and R. A. M. Mr. and Mrs. Erwin are members of the Baptist church. He takes a commendable in- terest in public affairs; was appointed school treasurer in 1871, and has held that office ever since. In 1879-80-81 he was supervisor, and his interests seem closely identified with all public

matters calculated to benefit his town- ship and community.

Louis Vahle was born in Jersey county, Illinois, March 31, 1857, being a son of John M. and Mary (Harris) Vahle, the former a native of Germany and the latter of Illinois. He lived with his parents upon a farm until he attained his majority, being educated in the dis- tricts schools. On Nov. 21, 1878, he was united in marriage with Lena Gotten, daughter of Casper and Christiana Got- ten. They are the parents of three children-Mary, Christiana and Jose- phine. Mr. Vahle is engaged in farm- ing, cultivating 120 acres of land. He is an enterprising and thrifty farmer and a good eitizen.

Anthony Vahle, son of John M. and Mary ( Harris) Vahle, was born in Jer- sey county, Jan. 23, 1860. He was reared upon a farm, and obtained his education in the distriet school, remain- ing with his parents until 23 years old. He then engaged in farming for himself, and now cultivates 120 acres of land. He is a member of the Catholic Church and a much respected and worthy young man.

John Howell is a native of this county, where he was born July 24, 1853. His parents, Uriah and Elsie (Nevius) Howell, were both born in New Jersey. The former died in April, 1884, but the latter is still living, re- siding in Jerseyville. The subject of this sketch has spent the greater por- tion of his life in Jersey county. In his youth he learned the earpenter trade, and followed the same for 11 years in this county. In 1873 he went to Nebraska and remained a year, dur- ing which he worked a part of the time,

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at carpentering. He returned home in 1874 and continued to work at his trade. In the winter of 1881 he purchased 80 acres of land on section 24 of English township, which has been his residence since that time. December 12, 1876, he was married to Greta T. Snell, daugh- ter of Asa and Emeline Snell. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Howell-Clarence, Russell, Min- nie and Frederick. Mr. Howell has his farm under cultivation and is an in- dustrious and enterprising farmer.

David J. Roach was born in county Limerick, Ireland, in 1834, and is a son of Terrence and Margaret (Slyne) Roach, also natives of the "Emerald Isle." The former died in September, 1871, the latter is now living in Jerseyville. David was reared upon a farm, and re- mained with his parents until 21 years of age. In 1849 he left his native country, taking passage at Cork, on board a small steamer bound for Liver- pool, where he embarked for America. He landed in New York city, and went to Chester, Conn., where he resided about seven years, engaged in the liv- ery business, also worked in a tannery. In 1856 he went to East Windsor, Conn., and engaged in railroading five years. Nov. 20, 1858, he was married to Mary McGillicuddy, daughter of Cornelius and Nellie (Joy) McGillicuddy. After marriage he resided three years in Con- necticut, and in the fall of 1861, removed to Illinois, locating at Fidelity, Jersey county, where he remained until the spring of 1883. At that date he moved to English township, where he now re- sides. He owns a farm of 160 acres, located on sections 1 and 2, all of which is under cultivation. Mr. and Mrs.

Roach are the parents of nine children William T., Cornelius, Dennis, David P., Eugene, Mary E., Thomas F., Leon- ard, and Joseph A. Mr. Roach and his family are members of the Catholic church. He is independent in politics, and an intelligent and worthy citizen.

Cornelius Decker came to Jersey county in 1863, locating in English township, where he purchased a small traet of land. He has continued to re- side here until the present, and now owns 48 acres, located on sections 26 and 27. Mr. Deeker was born in Hol- land in the year 1819, and is a son of Frederick and Ellen (Molan) Decker, also natives of Holland. In 1845 the family immigrated to America, landing at New York city. They settled in Union county, N. J., where Cornelius remained about 18 years, then removed to this county, as before stated. Aug. 10, 1841, he was married to Ellen Weirengan. They had eight children, six whom are living-Frederick, married to Anna Schneider, now living in New Jersey; Hattie, wife of Ulysses Beek, also living in New Jersey; Philip, mar- ried to Emeline Copse, living in Eng- lish township; Harmon, in Missouri; William and John. Mrs. Decker died June 23, 1884. Mr. Deeker and his family are members of the Methodist church. He is a worthy and much esteemed citizen.

William B. Burgess was born in Mad- ison county, Tenn., on the 9th of June, 1834. In 1836 he came to Illinois, ac- companying his parents, William B. and Matilda (Brown) Burgess. They made the journey, via the river, from Memphis to St. Louis; thence, to Belle- ville, Ill., where they resided about

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12 years, removing then to Washington county. Three years later they moved to Madison county, where they lived till 1861. The subject of this sketch was reared to agricultural pursuits and staid with his parents until 19 years old. His mother died in 1857 and his father in 1862. In 1860 he went to Colorado and spent four months, near Denver, after which he returned home, and en- listed Feb. 22, 1862, in Co. D, of the 61st Ill. Inf. He participated in many of the most noted engagements of the war, and was honorably discharged at the expiration of his term of service. On returning from the army, Mr. Bur- gess came to Jersey county and settled in English township. He has been twice married, first to Susanna Dil- linger, who died May 5, 1857, leaving two children-Alonzo S. and James T. Mr. Burgess was again married Aug. 11, 1861, to Olive J. Smith, and by this union has three children-William H., Charlotte S. and Peachy M. He is a member of the G. A. R. post of Elsah, and also of the M. E. church of Kane.

John C. Bridges is a son of Enoch and Nancy (Rush) Bridges, and was born June 19, 1836. Enoch Bridges was born in Missouri, and died April 25, 1867. lle was a Baptist minister, and by trade a mill-wright, but followed farm- ing most of his life. Ile took part in the Black Hawk war, during which he was commissioned colonel. His wife died April 20, 1858. John C. Bridges was reared upon a farm in Jersey county, where he was born, and resided with his parents until their decease. In 1860 he went to Eastern Kansas in search of a location. In 1865 he went with a com- pany of others, to Arkansas, and there

witnessed the burning of Salem, by bushwhackers. In 1871 he took another trip, visiting Nebraska, where he re- mained a short time. He was married, in 1860, to Emeline Rowden, daughter of James Rowden. They have had six children, five of whom are living- Henry W., John N., Mary E., James E. and Hettie E. Cora E. is deceased. In 1880 Mr. Bridges removed with his family to Pierce City, Mo., but remained only a short time, returning to this county. In the fall of 1880 he went to Colorado, and engaged in mining four months, after which he returned home. He owns 75 acres of land, and is engaged in farming. He has held the office of county treasurer, also the township offices of constable and assessor, hold- ing the foriner eight years, and the lat- tor two terms. He was formerly a mem- ber of the M. E. church, and of the I. O.O.F.

John Power is of Irish descent, being a son of Michael and Bridget (Durney) Power, natives of Ireland. John was born June 1. 1860, in Jersey county, and here reared upon a farm, receiving his education in the district school. His father died May 22, 1880, but his mother is still living. Mr. Power is an industrious and thriving young farmer. He owns a fine farm containing 220 aeres, located on sections 21 and 22. He is a member of the Catholic church.

Otha Kirchner was born in Jersey county, Dec. 15, 1859, his parents being George C. and Elizabeth (Thurston) Kirchner, the former a native of Ger- many, who died in this county, Dec. 11, 1881. Mrs. Elizabeth Kirchner was born in Illinois, and died in Jersey county in 1866. The subject of this

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HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY.

sketch remained with his parents until their decease. After the death of his father he worked out one year, then pur- chased 40 acres on seetion 35, of English township, where he has since resided, Ile has all of his land in cultivation. HIe was married July 27, 1882, to Mary Dawm, daughter of Brockmer Dawm. They have one child of their own, and one child that they have taken to raise. Mr. and Mrs. Kirchner are members of the German Lutheran church.

Joseph Lenz came to Jersey county in 1857, sinee which time he has been a resident of English township. He was born in Germany, July 10, 1831. He was reared in his native country, and there, in his youth, learned the stone mason's trade. Hefollowed it, in Ger- many, two years. In 1852 he came, with his father to America, embarking at Bremen and landing at New Orleans, where he stopped a short time, then proceeded to St. Louis, thenee to Alton, where he located permanently, and re- mained five years, following his trade. He removed from Alton to this county in 1857. He purchased at that time 80 aeres of land, to which he has since added until he now has 128 acres. Ile also owns a lime kiln which produces lime of the best quality. He was mar- ried April 30, 1865, to Mary Olbert, daughter of Michael and Catherine Olbert. Mr. and Mrs. Lenz are the parents of ten children, eight of whom are living-Catherine, Anna, Lizzie, Christiana, Caroline, Rosa, Lena and Josephine. Those deceased are-Mary, who died Nov. 3, 1867, and Joseph, who died Feb. 4, 1875. Mr. and Mrs. Lenz are members of the Catholic church. He is a democrat, politically.

Anthony O'Maley is a native of the Emerald Isle, born in county Mayo, in the year 1823. His parents, John and Bridget (IIines) O'Maley were also natives of Ireland. Anthony was reared on a farm in his native country where he remained until 1851. In that year he came to the United States, taking passage on board a sailing vessel at Liverpool and landing in New York. He went from there west to St. Louis, thence to Alton, where he stopped a short time, then rented land in Madison county, on which he resided 11 years. In 1865 he came to Jersey county and purchased 50 acres of land in English township, his present home. He was married the same year, to Bridget Ball They have five children-Mary, married to Michael Haggerty, of Greene county; John, Margaret, Martin and Katie. Mr. O'Maley and all of his family are members of the Catholic church.

Henry C. Harmon was born in Greene county, Ill., March 27, 1850, his par- ents being John B. and Abigail (Bagby) Harmon, the former a native of Maine, and the latter of Virginia. He was brought up on a farm and remained with his father until 21 years old. In 1876 he bought 50 acres of land on see- tion 9, English township. He was married Oct. 17, 1871, to Mary Red- dish, daughter of Jacob and Hannah Reddish. They are the parents of five children-Louisa, Henrietta, Stella, Nannie, and an infant. Mr. Harmon now owns 437 acres of land mostly under cultivation. He is a member of the A.F. & A. M. lodge No. 592, Fieldon. He is a young enterprising citizen and a valuable acquisition to any commu- nity.

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HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY.

John Madden has been a resident of Jersey county sinee July, 1860, having come here at that date from St. Louis. He purchased, then, 25 acres of land on section 35, English township, where he has since made his home. He now owns 80 aeres, situated on seetions 34 and 35. Mr. Madden is a native of Europe, born in June, 1840, and a son of Thomas and Catherine (Knight) Madden. He was reared on a farm in his native state. In 1851 he took passage on board a sailing vessel at Liverpool, and eame to Amer- iea, landing at New Orleans. He went from that eity to Hollidaysburgh, Penn- sylvania, where he remained 18 months, then went south and worked on the levees about three years, after which he went to Cincinnati, O., then to Wheel- ing, W. Va., thence to Kentucky, where he worked one summer. He then went to Hannibal, Mo., and was employed one season on the Hannibal & St. Joe railroad, going from there to St. Louis, and there working at any employment he could obtain until the date of his coming to this county. He was married in 1858 to Ellen Sheridan, daughter of Thomas Sheridan. Mr and Mrs. Mad- den are members of the Catholic church.

Douglas Seago is a native of this county, and was born Sept. 9, 1857, his parents being John and Mary Ann (Campbell) Seago. Douglas was reared on a farm, remaining with his parents

until he was about 18 years old. He then worked on the farm for various persons, by the month. In 1880 he went to Dallas county, Tex., and re- mained about six months. He then re- turned to Illinois, and located in Greenc county, where he remained about seven months, and then came to this county and purchased 40 acres of land on sec- tion 4, English township, where he re- mained two years, and then sold out. He now cultivates 40 aeres of land on section 10. He is married, his wife be- ing Hester Ann Reddish. They have been blessed with three children - Thomas J., Harry E. and Herbert.

John Schreiber, upon section 27, En- glish township, is a native of Germany, born Feb. 5, 1835, being a son of John and Mary (Schlick) Schreiber, also na- tives of Germany. He resided in the land of his birth until 1874. In that year he came to America, landing at Baltimore, and came immediately west to Illinois, and to Jersey county by way of Alton. He stopped first at Jersey- ville, but soon after purchased and re- moved to his present place. He has 41 acres of land, and is an industrious and thrifty farmer. Mr. Schreiber was married, first, to a Miss Begert, who died in 1875 leaving, one child-Lizzie. He was married the second time to Louisa Kerehler. He is a member of the Catholic church, and a democrat politically.

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HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY.

CHAPTER XXII.

RICHWOODS TOWNSHIP.

This township is by far the most ir- regular in shape of any in the county, its northern boundary being formed by the Macoupin creek, and the western boundary by the same stream and the Illinois river. On the east lies Eng- lish township, and on the south Rose- dale. Richwoods is the most north- westerly township, Greene county ad- joining it on the north and northwest, and Calhoun county on the west. Though the surface of the country is much broken, and there is considerable tim- ber land, yet there are many fine farms in this township, and some of the best citizens in the county among its agri- culturists. . Besides those mentioned as forming portions of the boundary, there are no water-courses in the town- ship, save an occasional rivulet, and a few gullies which contain running water only in seasons of rain. In the southwestern portion of the township is MeFain's lake, which is of quite re- spectable proportion. It lies mainly in sections 20, 29, 30 and 32, with a pro- jecting arm into sections 17 and 8. A small portion also lies in section 19. Long Pond is a small body of water, too small to be classed as a lake, which lies in section 18 and 19. There is also a small lake on section 5. The bluff in the west part of the township presents in summer a fine appearance, with its mossy eminences, and tree-clad acclivi- ties. It is rather a succession of bluffs,

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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 43

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