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 65

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 65

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Rev. Samuel Lynn, deceased, was born in Eastern Tennessee in August, 1803. He was educated for the minis- try, and at an early age was ordained as a Presbyterian minister. For six years he was located at Springfield, Ky., for 10 years at Newport, and for the same length of time at Richwood, Ky. In 1857 he eame to Jerseyville and took charge of the 2d Presbyterian church, remaining in charge to the date of his demise, which occurred in 1872. Ile was united in marriage in Cincinnati, O., with Frances W. Wilson, who still survives him, and is yet a resident of Jerseyville. Mr. and Mrs. Lynn were the parents of eight children, three of whom are now living-Sarah, William H. and Amanda.

Rev. Geo. Ives King, whose portrait appears in this work, was born in Adams, N. Y., June 1, 1815, of New England parentage. From his grand- mother-King-who was a remarkable Bible student, and a Presbyterian, he received the greater part of his re-

ligious training. He prepared for col- lege at Lowville, N. Y., and graduated from Union College, in 1838. He studied theology at Auburn Seminary. He was licensed by the Presbytery of Columbia, at Hudson, N. Y., in April, 1840. He was married to Emily B. Sprague, Oct. 12, 1840, and died March 12, 1873. He was installed as pastor of the First Presbyterian church, Jersey- ville, in 1868, which was his last charge.

John Fox was born near Leeds, York- shire, Eng., June 7, 1824. When he was but six months old, his father. also John Fox, was killed in a mill. His mother was subsequently married to Dennis Cockshott. The subject of this sketch grew to manhood in his native country, where in his youth he learned the milling trade in the same mill in which his father was killed. In 1854, accompanied by his half brother, Spen- cer Coekshott, he immigrated to the United States and eame directly to Jer- seyville, where they were joined one year later by their mother and sister. Here Mrs. Coekshott died in Septem- ber, 1855. Mr. Fox soon after removed to Grafton and went to work in the flour- ing mills where he continued fourteen or fifteen years. He then returned to Jerseyville, and has since been retired from active life, having accumulated a fortune sufficient for comfort during his later years. Mr. Fox was married in 1877, to Mrs. Kate C. Marsh nee Rieh- ards. She had by her former marriage two sons, John T. and Stewart C. Mr. and Mrs. Fox have one son-Marmaduke. Mr. Fox is a member of the Episcopal ehureh and his wife is a Baptist. He is politically a democrat and has served several years in the city council.

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HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY.

John Wyckoff, eldest son of John and Jennie Wyckoff, was born in New Jersey, July 31, 1790. He removed with his parents to Schoharie county, N. Y., and was reared on a farm. In 1809 he was married to Eleanor Gray, who was born in Dutchess county, N. Y. After marriage he continued to reside in New York until 1835. At that date he came to Illinois and settled in Jersey county, where he died in 1840. Mrs. Wyckoff survived him until 1871. They were the parents of ten children, only two of whom are living-David G. and Elizabeth. Those deceased are John, Nathan, Solomon, Theodore, Franklin, Charles, Augustus and James B.

George H. Jackson, son of George H. Jackson, Sr., was born in Jerseyville, in Sept., 1860. His early life was spent here, where he has always resided. He obtained his education in the Jersey- ville schools, but on account of ill health, he was compelled to abandon his studies before they were fully com- pleted. He learned the tinner's trade, but his health would not permit him to follow that occupation. He then tried railroading, but was unable to continue it. When his father was taken sick and died, he succeeded him, and now carries on the same business in the city of Jerseyville, abstracting titles, etc.

George W. Burke, an early settler and prominent citizen of Jersey county, was born in Addison county, Vt., Nov. 28, 1807, being the third child of Seth and Anna Burke, natives of Massachu- setts, who moved with their parents at an early day to Vermont. The grand- father of the subject of this sketch, also Seth Burke, was a veteran of the Revo- lutionary war, and one of the martyrs

of that struggle for liberty, as he died soon after the close of the war, from disease contracted while in the service. His father participated in the war of 1812. He (Seth) followed the occupa- tion of farming through life. He had a family of seven children, three sons and four daughters, all except one, attaining mature years, and four are yet living. He died in the 70th year of his age, and his wife, in her 84th year. Seth Burke was a man distinguished for energy and moral worth. George W. received his early education in Onondaga county, N. Y., where his father died. He learned the blacksmith trade in that county and followed that occupation. He was first married, Dec. 26, 1836, to Sarah M. Barber, who died in Jersey county, July 21, 1851. He was again married Jan. 19, 1854, to Mrs. Elizabeth Searl, widow of Russell Searl, of South- hampton, Mass. Mr. Burke came to Illinois in the fall of 1834. and en- tered the land on which he now lives, the next spring after his arrival. There were at that time only four families in Jerseyville. During the first year of his residence here Mr. Burke followed blacksmithing, but later, engaged in farming; also devoted much time to the improvement of his city property, and to city improvements generally. Hle laid out the first addition to the city of Jerseyville, in 1840, and the second, in 1858. Politically he was a whig, from christian principle an abolitionist, and as such took his stand for the right. When the Rev. E. P. Lovejoy was mur- dered in Alton, in 1837, Mr. Burke, with a few others, stood to the same principles for which Lovejoy suffered martyrdom, enduring the reproach and

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HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY.

obloquy heaped upon the early aboli- tionists. At the present time, when slavery is unknown through the length and breadth of this fair land, one of his most pleasing memories is that which recalls the bold and fearless stand which he then took in regard to slavery. His first church connection here was with the Congregational church, of which he was one of the deacons, and is now the only original member left. That church was formed as a protest against the pro-slavery proclivities of the Presbyterian church, and had an existence of about six years only. He then became connected with the Con- gregational church Chesterfield, Macoupin county, Ill., with which he retained membership until after the war, when he united with the Presby- terian church of Jerseyville, of which he is now a member. He lives on a tract of 40 acres, within the limits of Jerseyville. The remainder, three forties, of his original homestead he has platted and sold in town lots. He owns a farm of 180 acres in Jersey township, eight miles out from the city, also a farm in Christian county. As an enter- prising and public spirited citizen, Mr. Burke is well known in this community where he has spent more than 50 years of his active and busy life, and is highly esteemed for his many excellent qual- ities, throughout the entire county.

C. B. Eaton settled at Grafton, Jersey county, in 1863. He is a native of North Hampton, Mass., born Nov. 13, 1817, and a descendant of the seventh generation, from Francis Eaton, who came over in the May Flower. His parents were Ebenezer and Mary (Stuart) Eaton, the latter a descendant,

upon her mother's side, of Governor Mayhew, of Martha's Vineyard. Ebe- nezer Eaton was by trade, a contractor and builder. The subject of this sketch was educated in a private school, and at the age of 14 years, began mercantile lite as clerk in a general store, in the town of Phelps, Ontario county, N. Y., near where the family had located the year previous. Here, in 1838, Mr. Eaton was married to Catherine Root, a native of Phelps, Ontario county. After marriage he engaged in the dry goods business, and later, in the manufacture of edge tools, continuing the latter un- til 1849. In 1854, he removed to Cin- cinnati, Ohio, where he operated a distillery four years. He then entered the employ of the C. & M. R. R. Co., connected with B. & O. R. R. Co., as stock agent, continuing that occupation until the breaking out of the civil war. He assisted in shipping to Washington the first beef cattle for the supply of the army. The railroad became par- tially destroyed, and Mr. Eaton again engaged in running a distillery, and dealing in live stock, at Cincinnati, which business he followed till 1863, when as before stated he came to Illi- nois and settled in Jersey county. He engaged in a distillery at Grafton two years, then abandoned it and was ap- pointed the St. Louis agent for the stone quarries at that point. He afterward engaged in farming and stock dealing in Rosedale township, and now owns a farm there. Mr. and Mrs. Eaton had eight children born to them-E. P., now in Mississippi ; George M., of the firm of Eaton & Crawford, of Jerseyville; Charles B., in Vicksburg, Miss .; Frank S., living in Quincy, Il .; Alice, wife of

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HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY.

James M. Allen, of Grafton ; Elizabeth, wife of C. J. Slaten, of Grafton, and Beulah C., wife of A. H. Barrett, of Jerseyville. Mrs. Eaton died Septem- ber 14, 1884, and her remains were taken to Cincinnati for burial. Mr. Eaton holds the office of justice of the peace at Jerseyville, and he served two years as county supervisor from Rosedale township. He is a Royal Arch Mason, and, politically, a democrat.

Frederick Bertman, deceased, was born in Prussia, May 17, 1821. He came to the United States in 1845, and about three years later located in Alton, Ill., where he resided one year, and then came to Jerseyville and opened a tailoring establishment. He remained here engaged in the elothing and dry goods business until his decease. He was married, in 1846, to Helena Goetten, of New York. Seven children were born to them-Setta, now the wife of J. B. Eck, of Dubuque, Ia .; Minnie, wife of Lewis Casavant, of Jerseyville; John F .; Mary, wife of William Figgen, of Quiney; Frederick J .; Nellie, wife of Heber Porter; and William A. Fred- erick Bertman died August 25, 1882, his death being caused by gangrene of the lungs. He had for several years been subject to a cough, and during the last year of his life was afflicted with a ear- buncle upon his neck, eausing a severe drain upon his system, and although his cough ceased for the time being, it returned with redoubled severity on the healing of the abscess, and continued until gangrene set in. A few days pre- vious to his decease, realizing his eon- tion, he declared his willingness to go. He was a man having many friends and few enemies, a kind, loving husband,

an indulgent father and a good citizen. He was a great lover of music and thor- oughly understood the principles of that science. He was at one time a member of the Jerseyville band. He was elected to the office of councilman, which he held one term. By industry and energy he accumulated a compe- teney, which he left to his wife, trust- ing her to provide for the interests of their children. His funeral took place from the Catholic church, high mass being held by Rev. Father Harty, and was largely attended by his many friends and relatives.

Harley E. Hayes is one of the early settlers of Jersey county, having come here in 1833, from Addison county, Vt., his native place. He drove a team through from that place, for his brother-in-law, Samuel Day. Mr. Hayes was born Mareh 14, 1813, and was therefore, 20 years of age when he came here. Samuel Day settled four miles south of the present site of Jer- seyville, on seetion 9, T. 7 north, R. 11 west, and engaged in farming. Mr. Hayes made his home here, but was en- gaged in various employments. He made a trip to New Orleans, and was, for some time, employed in Alton. Dee. 19, 1837, he was united in marriage with Mary Ann Day, daughter of Sam- uel and Maria (Spencer) Day. She was also a native of Addison county, Vt. After marriage, Mr. Hayes purchased 80 aeres of unimproved land, built a eabin and commenced housekeeping. In 1848, he sold his original 80 and purchased 120 acres in the same ( Miss- issippi) township. This land was partially improved, but had no build- ings upon it. In 1861, he again sold

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HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY.

his farm and bought 160 aeres, all im- proved, in the same township. Here he built good frame buildings and fol- lowed farmed until 1866. Mrs. Hayes died in 1862, leaving one son, now a farmer of Clay county, Neb. In 1864, Mr. Hayes was married to Mary Ann Graves, nee Austin, who was born near Watertown, N. Y. In 1866 he sold his farm and removed to Jersey- ville. In 1867, he was appointed assist- ant United States assessor, and served three years, but not liking the business, tendercd his resignation, which was finally accepted. Since then he has been retired from active business. Mr. Hayes' parents were Elam and Rachel (Knickerbocker) Hayes, natives of Con- neticut, but of English and German de- scent. They were the parents of four children-Harman B. and Harvey D., now living in Macoupin county, and Emoretta and Harley E.

William B. Nevius, son of John and Maggie (Baird) Nevius, was born in Somerset county, N. J., Nov. 2, 1813. He grew to manhood in his native state, and in his youth, learned the wagon- maker's trade, which he followed till 1837, in New Jersey. In that year he came to Illinois, and settled in Jersey- ville, Jersey county, thus becoming one of the pioneers. He followed his trade here till 1851, when he went to Lee county, Ia .. and engaged in farming. He remained there 18 months, then sold out, and returned to Jerseyville, and went into the milling business. In 1858 he sold his mill and engaged in general mercantile trade, on the corner now oc- cupied by the First National Bank, becoming a member of the firm of Knapp & Nevius. This partnership

continued five years. In 1865, he pur- ehased an interest in the Jerseyville mills, and continued a partner in the same, till the mill was destroyed by fire, since which he has been retired from active business. Mr. Nevius was for many years, an energetic and enter- prising business man, and has been generally successful. He was married, in 1841, to Laura A. Goodrich, daugh- ter of C. H. Goodrich. They are the parents of three children-Henry, a merchant of Jerseyville; Mary, wife of S. A. Holmes, of Morehead, Minn .; and Hattie A., who died at the age of 20 years. Mr. Nevius is a man of very decided convictions. He is a republican in politics, formerly a whig, and has held local office. He is a Free Mason, and a member of the First Presbyterian church. He is a public-spirited man, always taking an active part in all worthy public improvements, and has many friends.

Henry Nevius, son of William B. and Laura A. Nevius, was born in Jersey- ville, July 7, 1842, and here grew to manhood. In· 1862 he enlisted in Co. C, of the 61st Ill. Inf., and served until the close of the war, participating in all of the engagements of his company. lIe then returned to Jerseyville and en- gaged as clerk in a dry goods store, also worked in his father's mill. In 186S he went to the Rocky mountains and re- mained there three years, during which time he was wagon-master of a govern- ment train one year; stoek contractor, on year, and drove a team one year. Then, after traveling over several states and territories, returned to Jerseyville and engaged in the milling business with his father. In 1876 when the mill was

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HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY.

destroyed by fire, he was appointed deputy sheriff and collector, under J. M. Young and served four years. In Feb., 1880, Mr. Nevius, in partnership with William Hall, succeeded Travis & Gillham in the grocery business, the firm becoming Hall & Nevius. This partnership continued till Feb., 1885, when Mr. Nevius became sole proprie- tor. He carried a full and complete stock of groceries, provisions, queens- ware, glass, paints, oils, etc. He was married in 1879, to Miss G. A. Nott, of Jerseyville, daughter of S. B. Nott, an early settler of Fieldon. They have one child --- Laura A. Mr. Nevius has been a member of the city council several years, and has also served as city clerk, and treasurer, and as a member of the board of education. He is politically a democrat, a member of the Knights of Pythias, the I. O. O. F, and a Royal Arch Mason.

H. O. Goodrich, a prominent early settler of Jerseyville, was born in Dela- ware county, N. Y., Oct. 3, 1819. He is the youngest of a family of three children of C. H. and Lydia A. Good- rich, who were also early settlers of this State, having come to Greene county in 1839, and soon after to Jersey. Their ancestors were English, French and Scotch. C. H. Goodrich was for eight years state's attorney for the first judicial circuit-being at that time one of the prominent lawyers of this por- tion of the State. He was a gentleman of polished education and in every way fitted to adorn the legal arena in which he moved as a practitioner. He died at his residence in Jerseyville in 1868.

H. O. Goodrich, the subject of this sketch, received his early education in

the Genesee, N. Y., high school, oh- taining a good knowledge of the Eng- lish branches. He attended school un- til the age of 18, soon after which he became an apprentice to learn the har- ness-makers's trade. He subsequently went to Towanda, Penn., and there re- sided about one year and a half, then came west, arriving in this county in 1840, with 75 cents capital with which to commence his western life. His first employment was working at his trade in Carrollton, though in the fall of the same year he opened a shop in Jersey- ville and there continued in that busi- ness until 1846. In that year he en- gaged in partnership with C. H. Knapp in mercantile business, which he con- tinued about 11 years. Upon the 21st day of June, 1847, he was married to Jane Amelia Knapp, daughter of Dr. A. R. Knapp. They had born to them three children - Adams A., Kitty and Carrie Bell. In 1857 he built a large mill and distillery at Jer- sey Landing, which he operated in partnership with A. L. Knapp, until 1859. In April, 1862, he went with the 61st Ill. Inf. as sutler, in which capacity he accumulated considerable money. He spent three years in the army, then returned to Jerseyville, and engaged quite extensively in the milling busi- ness, which he continued until 1876, when one of the mills was destroyed by fire, and the other was likewise burned upin 1879. In addition to other busi- ness interests Mr. Gardner was agent for the McCormick machines for a period of 28 years, for southern Illinois. In 1881 he went to Fargo, Dak., and while there was persuaded by his friends to purchase land, and with Zina

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HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY.

Dota, of New York city, purchased 960 acres of land, also some property in Fargo. His land there is now all under cultivation, and is managed by a fore- man employed for its care. This land in 1884 produced 18,000 bushels of wheat, besides other grain. He has been twice elected mayor of the city, and was one of the first trustees after its incor- poration. He was, also, one of the original workers in bringing about the organization of the Jersey County Agri- cultural Society, of which, in Nov., 1871, he was elected president. Polit- ically, in early life, Mr. Goodrich was a whig, but afterward joined the demo- cratic party, to which he has since given his earnest support. He came to this county a poor man, and has by his own efforts gained a competence and a high and honorable position in society. Few men of southern Illinois have so exten- sive a business acquaintance as Mr. Goodrich, who, by the liberality and integrity of his dealings, has won the approbation of all.

William R. Seago is a native of Jer- sey county, born Sept. 9, 1843. His parents, John and Mary A. (Campbell) Seago, were born in North Carolina, and immigrated to Illinois at an early day, locating in Jersey township. In 1869 Jno. Seago went to Tennessee on a visit for his health, and there died, Dec. 13, 1869. His wife died, Dec. 3, 1879. William was brought up on his father's farm until he was 21 years of age. Dec. 7, 1865, he was married to Mrs. Elizabeth T. Campbell, nee Melton, daughter of Wyley and Rebecca Melton, old settlers of Greene county. They have had five children-Judith, Adol- phus, Olive, Sylvester and Cyrus; Olive

is deceased. Her death occurred April 3, 1874. In 1870 he purchased a small tract of land in Richwoods township, and four years later he bought 120 acres more. He afterward bought 160 acres, all in the same township, and continued to reside there until the fall of 1880, when he moved to Jerseyville. The second spring he engaged in the butch- ering business, which he followed three years. In 1882 he bought 18 acres of land in Jerseyville with a good residence on it. In 1874 he was elected justice of the peace, and held that office until his removal to Jerseyville. Mr. Seago was a member of the 1. O. O. F. lodge, of Fieldon, until its charter was with- drawn, since which he has been uncon- nected with that organization. He is a democrat politically.

Frank P. Henderson, son of Rich- mond and Mary A. (Douglas) Hender- son, was born in Jersey county Ill., in 1857. He was reared to agricultural pursuits, and attended the schools of Jerseyville, completing his education at McKendree College. He was married Oct. 25, 1877, to Nannie Cadwalader, a native of Fulton county, Ill. They have one child-Addie M. Mr. Hen- derson has a farm in Jersey township, on which he resides. He owns also 700 acres of land in Stone county, Mo. He is a member of the Anti-Horse-Thief Society, and has served three years as road commissioner of this township.

Abram Remer, wagon manufacturer in Jerseyville, was born in Somerville, N. J., March 6, 1811. He served an ap- prenticeship to the trade of wagon- making, and followed that business in his native town until 1856, when he came to Illinois, and settled in Jersey-

1 Omissions we Jersey county

Old Setters

Biographical Sketch.

Anderson, table Alexander. II. in 1860. Blackburn. -

Became a Citizen

Borrwell, David J.

Beardslee. - ,

Barnett, Allen . A(MD), TV. Allie Barr, Doivent Abiner (B)

Brinton, allen, A Litique 1859. Beati. DE. 45. ferry + fanns. (Bs) Beate, + 6,

Death, Robert. Frank, You to carry.

Beaty, Martyna.

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bon Kin . Joseph , TV ! David John . best . bolean, Ed.

Cummings, Columbus.

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Frech, Harries. Gardner. Jake. Gashorn.

Gaston- Soldier Killed in Battle

Forherco- Gaz kill . John K. Houttin. H HO. + David (B), Mirky. Sev, Thor, Mert Let (B) Kirby. James. + Henry. 1 Keyo Yoha oldies Killed in battle. 6

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Prickett, Jerry 1

Alitique ve

Ross, HN. AD. + WN. 1860. Rue, Geo, Alfred + for hire. Sehratique, Frank, Stark, Rev fano V. A) hack ford, RIP. Whater. Years, Ed + Hurry, eltryker , tv, Dorrie. Uhacht, Truck, Vivarta, Ger, AV. Geo. Thacker, 7 Jack. John +J, Al & Millard. Hopedy Ke. Theodore, AV. West Charley.

* Vanhorn. 1

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Winvor, foten. Hacker, Patate: Geo. Hill, für. Hare, Hou George.

Those names marked with a star (*) were men of Sterling Character + Ability. (Early Letters)

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HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY.

ville, where he has sinee resided and pursued his trade. He was married, March 18, 1837, to Deborah Nutt, who was a native of the city of Philadel- phia, born March 6, 1813. Her father was Thomas Nutt, a farmer by oecupa- tion. They have had seven children, five of whom are now living-George M .; Hannah Augusta, now the wife of John Van Pelt; Theodore F .; Henri- etta, now Mrs. Henrietta Rockwell; and Sarah M., wife of J. M Page. Mr. and Mrs. Remer are members of the First Presbyterian church.

Joseph S. Malotte was born in Platte City, Mo., July 26, 1843, being a son of John S. and Elizabeth HI. Malotte. John S. Malotte was born in France, and was among the early French settlers of the state of Missouri, where he died. On the death of his father, Joseph S. went to live with his sister in Pennsyl- vania, where he received his education and remained until he arrived at the age of 18. In the spring of 1860, he came to Jerseyville, Ill., and here clerked in the clothing store of J. C. Tack until Dec., 1863, when he enlisted in Co. C, of the 124th Ill. Inf., and served till the close of the war. le re-

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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 65

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