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 84

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 84

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James Pursley, one of the legal fra- ternity of Greene county, eame to Car- rollton about the year 1850. He was quite a politician, and was elected to represent the county in the 19th general assembly, which he did to the satisfac- tion of his friends. He afterward re- moved to Memphis, Tenn., where he died.

J. M. Woodson, a son of Judge D. M. Woodson, practiced law in Carroll- ton for some years. He is now a resi- dent of St. Louis, Mo.

Charles D. Hodges, ex-member of congress, county judge, etc., was for many years a practicing attorney at Car- rollton, where he died in 1884. A full sketch of him is given elsewhere.

James W. English was born in Mason county, Virginia, March 11, 1829. His father, Nathaniel English, was a prom- inent physician, who married Hannah Worth. James was but eight years old when his parents moved from West Vir- ginia to St. Louis, from which point they made their way to Jacksonville, Morgan county, Ill., in 1836, In 1844 Mr. English entered upon a classical course of study at the Illinois College, graduating with honor in 1848. He now took up the study of law in the office of Richard Yates, afterward gov-

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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

ernor of Illinois, and William Brown. In 1850 he was admitted to practice as an attorney in the state of Illinois, and in 1860, in the Federal courts and the supreme court of the United States in 1873. For five years the young but able attorney struggled for a foothold among such legal lights as Murray, McConnell and others. In 1856 he came to Car- rollton, where his ability was soon rec- ognized and the following year he was elected to fill the responsible position of state's attorney. He served in this capacity in an able manner until 1860, entering upon his law studies with re- newed zeal. In 1871 he moved to Leav- enworth, Kansas, remaining a number of years. On being apprised of the mortal illness of his old friend and col- league, Judge Woodson, of Carrollton, and at the solicitation of his many friends in this enterprising town, he de- cided to return here. He practiced here for a period of twenty years, and his course was marked by no ordinary abil- ity. Mr. English married Eliza Stry- ker, a daughter of Henry Stryker, for- merly a merchant of Jacksonville, Oct. 6, 1852. Mr. English is now a resident of Jacksonville, Morgan county, Il.

Benjamin Mason, an attorney, came to Carrollton about 1858, and remained in practice until cut off by the hand of death in 1866. or 1867.

Albert G. Burr came to Carrollton from Scott county, in 1868, and opened an office for the practice of law. He represented this district on the floor of the 40th and 41st congresses, and a sketch of him occurs in that connection.

Asa Potter, now of Brighton, Macou- pin county, practiced here in Carrollton, for several years.

Giles H. Turner practiced law at the bar of Greene county, and was a resi- dent of Carrollton for several years. He is now a resident of Des Moines, Ia., where he enjoys a large practice.

Josiah Lamburn was a very bright and shining light of the legal fraternity of Greene county, but like many another man, he took to drink, and died of de- lirium tremens.

John J. Fitzsimons, a young lawyer of much promise, died in Carrollton, in 1874, while holding the office of state's attorney. He had not been in practice long, but gave evidence of rare ability and judgment.

John J. Fitzsimons, deceased, was born in county Meath, Ireland, on the Ist day of Nov., 1843, his parents being Robert and Mary (Toney) Fitzsimons. His mother died before he had reached the age of 2 years, and when John J. was in his 12th year, he came to Ameri- ca, whither his father had preceded him some 10 years. He was transferred from school at Cork to the St. Louis University, and remained in attendance at that institution until he graduated, at the age of 18 years. The civil war had then come on, and he went into the Confederate service as a clerk in the quartermaster's department. He re- mained in the service about one year, when he was taken sick, and brought home. He was employed in a clerical capacity for a time in one of the Federal army stations, at St. Louis, but, his father being a sculptor, he went into the marble business at Belleville. From there he came to Carrollton, where he was also employed for a time in the marble business. This, however, did not agree with him, and he commenced

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the study of law, and soon after gave up the marble business for the legal pro- fession. He studied with Benj. Mason, and was admitted to the bar Nov. 4, 1864, at Carrollton. He continued the practice of his profession in this city until the time of his death. In June, 1872, he was appointed by the governor to the office of state's attorney, to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of William Brown. At the election in November following, he was elected to the office by the people of the county, on the democratic ticket, and was hold- ing that position at the time of his death. He was married on June 16, 1874, to Mary Walker, a native of Christian county, Ky., and daughter of Joseph and Delia (Coffman) Walker. Her father died in Carrollton, in 1871, on the 6th day of August. Mr. Fitzsi- mons died on the 16th day of June, 1874. He was a leading member of the bar, and was rapidly rising in his profession.

Edward P. Gilson came to Carrollton, enrolling himself among the legal fra- ternity, in 1878, and remained several years. He was a native of Macoupin county, Ill., born in 1853. His father was a grain merchant at Brighton, where Edward passed his early years. He graduated from Blackburn Univer- sity, in 1875, and going to Chicago studied law in the office of Lyman Trumbull. He was admitted to the bar in 1877, and came to Carrollton soon after.

In 1878, a law firm under the name of Root & Gardner opened an office in Carrollton and practiced for some little time. H. T. Root was a native of Michigan, born Nov. 5, 1853. When he was still young his parents removed to

New York state, but when 14 years of age the subject of this sketch came to Illinois. He took a preparatory course of study at Shurtleff College, but en- tered Princeton College, New Jersey, in 1872, graduating therefrom two years later. He then became a student at the Columbia Law Institute from which he graduated. J. C. F. Gardner was a na- tive of Nantucket, Mass., and also a graduate of Columbia Law Institute.

S. G. Lewis came to Carrollton about the year 1880, and commenced the practice of law. He removed from here to Taylorville, Christian county, where he now lives.

Edward D. Baker, afterward member of congress from this state, U. S. senator from Oregon, and colonel of the 1st Cal. or 71st Penn. Reg. in the late war, and who fell upon the field of battle, at Ball's Bluff, in 1861, was long connected with the bar of this county, having been almost raised in Carrollton.

R. L. Doyle was also one of the legal fraternity of Greene county.

Among the lawyers who have prac- ticed at the bar in this county, was F. E. Huddle. He was born at Tiflin, Sen- eca county, O., March 6, 1856. He was the son of Benj. Huddle, a carpen- ter and joiner by occupation, and Rachel Kagy. When four years old, his par- ents moved to Marion county, III., where a purchase of land was made. On the old homestead young Huddle remained until he had attained his 16th year, when he received full permission from his father to go out into the world. On leaving the parental roof, he had $50 in money. Proceeding to Tiffin, O., he entered the Heidleberg College, where he worked for his board and tuition, re-

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IIISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

maining one year. In the meantime he received the news of a serious accident that had befallen his father, and he re- turned home, where he obtained a posi- tion as clerk in a dry goods store. Af- terward, becoming a school teacher, he took up the practice of law, the dream of the farmer boy being to become a successful lawyer, and he accordingly applied himself with diligence. June 8, 1877, at the June term of the supreme court, he was admitted to the bar at Mt. Vernon, Ill. Locating at White Hall in July, he entered upon a very successful practice, when but 22 years of age. Mr. Huddle married Ida B. Lester, of Ma- rion county; one child-Edwin B. He is, at this writing, engaged in running the Bloomington Through Mail, a lite- rary magazine, of no small merit.

LAWYERS OF THE PRESENT.

Among the prominent attorneys of Greene county, of the present day, there are the following gentlemen: H. C. Withers, J. R. Ward, John G. Hen- derson, S. F. Corrington, H. H. Mont- gomery, E. A. Doolittle, Leander R. Lakin, in Carrollton; W. M. Ward, in Greenfield; M. Meyerstein, and T. R. Henshaw, in White Hall, and Patterson & Starkey, D. F. King and Duncan C. MeIver, in Roodhouse.

James R. Ward, one of the most able and leading attorneys of this con- gressional district, is a son of McKin- ley and Eliza A. (Jones) Ward. He was born on a farm in Madison county, Ill., May 7, 1852, where he grew to manhood, laboring upon the farm, and received his early education. In 1867 and 1868 he attended the Lincoln Uni- versity, and later at Jacksonville, where

in June, 1873, he graduated from the Il- linois College at that place. He then proceeded to Columbia, Missouri, and began a course of law studies under Philemon Bliss, who at one time was chief justice of the supreme court of that state. He was admitted to the bar in the state of Illinois at Mt. Vernon, in June, 1874, and was licensed to prac- tice by the supreme court of Missouri, at St. Louis, June 21, of the same year. On September 23, following, he located at Carrollton and here first began the practice of his profession. In Novem- ber, 1876 he was elected state's attorney for Greene county, by a greater vote and majority than was cast in the county for the president, Samuel J. Tilden. His business now increased so rapidly in civil cases that at the expiration of his term as state's attorney he declined to be a candidate for re-election and sup- ported D. F. King for that position, the latter having been a law student of Mr. Ward's. During this term of office, however, he established the reputation of being an able and successful prose- cutor of criminals, rarely losing a case, and since that time he has been retained to defend nearly all of the important cases of that character in this county. He has been engaged as counsel in the most important civil cases arising since he began the practice of his profession. His earnest and faithful efforts for his clients, his careful and adroit management of a case, his knowl- edge ofmen which he utilizes in the selec- tion of juries, have in civil and crim- inal cases secured victories for his cli- ents. Possessing a thorough knowledge of the law, a retentive memory and uni- formly giving to every case, regardless

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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

of the amount involved, or the wealth or poverty of his client, a thorough and exhaustive examination and prepara- tion, have characterized his eminent suc- cess as a lawyer and given him the ap- pellation of "the poor man's lawyer friend."

John G. Henderson, a prominent at- torney of Carrollton, was born near White Hall, Greene county, Ill., Sept. 22, 1837. His father, John P. Hender- son, was a native of Kentucky, and a son of Rev. John Henderson, one of pioneer Christian preachers, of Greene county. His mother, Susan (Green) Henderson, was a native of Ohio. John G. spent his early life on the farm. He was educated at Jacksonville, Ill., and subsequently taught school during which time he also studied law. He after- wards read law with John L. MeCon- nell, of Jacksonville, and on the 10th of Aug., 1858, though not yet 21 years of age, was admitted to the bar at Jackson- ville, to practice in Illinois. He sub- sequently practiced law, and also taught school, in Morgan county, until 1861, when he opened a law office at Griggs- ville, Pike county, and entered upon the duties of the legal profession in ear- nest. But he afterwards engaged at teaching for a while, his last term being taught in 1863, at Naples, Seott county, where he practiced law until 1866. He then located at Winchester, and in 1877 was elected county judge of Seott county, serving in that capacity five years. Since that time he has given his entire attention to the legal pro- fession, practicing in both Scott and Greene counties, and his practice in- ereased so largely in Greene county, he decided to remove to Carrollton, which

he did in Feb., 1884, and his office and residence are now there, although he still practices in Scott county, during each term of court. He was married April 10, 1884, to Isabel Springer, nee Hanback. In 1878, at the St. Louis meeting of the American Association, of Science, Judge Henderson became a member, and for two years, was secre- tary of the anthropological sub-seetion of the association, and at the Boston meeting was elected a fellow of the association. He has written for that society several papers, mostly on the subject of anthropology, of which he has made a life study, and has aeeumu- lated a fine library of works on that particular subject. He is also said to possess the finest library in the Miss- issippi valley, of French and Spanish works on the early history of said valley. He has now, at the point of completion, a work on ancient names of the United States and British provinces, which has occupied much of his time for the past 20 years. Politically speaking, he is an aetive democrat, and has taken a promi- nent part in politics since he attained his majority. Judge Henderson is a member of the Illinois Natural History Society, and an honorary member of the St. Louis Historical Society. Several of his articles have been published by the Southwestern Society, under which institute he has done considerable scien- tific research.

Stephen F. Corrington came to Greene eounty in 1858, and located at Carroll- ton, where he has since resided, thus be- ing one of the old settlers of the county. He immediately opened up a law office, and entered upon its duties. In 1859, he was elected county superintendent of

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schools, and justice of the peace, both of which he held until 1869, his duties as justice, however, not expiring until 1873. In 1870, he was elected city clerk, and continued in that capacity, with the exception of one year, until 1883. In 1872 he was appointed mas- ter in chancery, which office he still continues to hold. In Oct., 1881, Mr. Corrington entered into the business of insurance (fire, tornado, and life), and real estate, in connection with W. H. Barnett, the style of the firm being Barnett & Corrington. In Oct., 1883, Barnett sold his interest in the business to C. H. King, the firm then being Cor- rington & King. In Aug., 1884, S. F. Corrington bought out the interest of Mr. King, and gave it to his son, Frank, The firm then being Corrington & Son. This firm is probably doing quite as ex- tensive a business as any other concern of the kind in the county. Mr. Cor- rington was born in Millersburg, Bour- bon county, Ky., Feb. 1, 1830, his par- ents being Rev. Elijah and Ailsie (Gray) Corrington, the former of English, and the latter of Irish, descent, but the health of Mr. Corrington being poor, they returned to Kentucky, the mother carrying her son on horseback to their native home. In 1833, the family again came to Illinois, coming first to Greene county, where Rev. E. Corrington en- tered and bought quite an extensive tract of land, and then settled in Jack- sonville, Morgan county, going into business at that place. He continued in business there for a little over a year, when he joined the Illinois conference of the M. E. church, and was assigned to various charges in Morgan and other counties. He afterward removed to

Carrollton, where he lived until his death, which occurred in 1863. His wife preceeded him in Dec., 1862. Ste- phen F., the subject of this sketch, re- ceived his early education in a private school in Jacksonville, and in 1848, he entered MeKendree college, at Lebanon, Ill., where, on account of his previous preparation, he was enabled to graduate three years later. He then taught school about six months, in connection with his sister, now the wife of Hon. Thos. B. Redding, a prominent lawyer and scientist of Newcastle, Ind. He then began the study of law with Judge Wil- liam Brown, and was admitted to the bar in 1854. He afterward entered into partnership with William String, which continued about a year. While in Jack- sonville, he was also engaged in the mercantile business about one year, but this proving unsatisfactory, he disposed of his interest in the business to his partner. While there he was nominated for county judge, but withdrew, and was nominated and ran for county clerk, but as he was a young man, and opposed by an old and popular candidate, he was defeated by a small vote. He was mar- ried in Jacksonville, in 1856, to Susan F. Bell, a daughter of Jeremiah Bell, now of Jersey county. They are the parents of nine children, eight of whom are living-Rosa, wife of W. A. Albright; Ailsie, wife of T. P. Clemmons, both living in Carrollton; Annie L., died at the age of 15, in Dec., 1876; S. Emma, by profession a stenographer, and as- sisting her father in his office; Frank F., the active member of the firm of Corrington & Son, insurance and real estate agents, located at Carrollton, Ill .; Eliza E., William J., Mabel R., and

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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

Stephen N. Mr. Corrington is a mem- ber of the I. O. O. F. society. having been honored as a representative to the grand lodge for the past 10 years, and is now representing his encampment for the seventh term. Heis also a member of the M. E. church, having been a trus- tee of the same for many years. In politics, he affiliates with the demo- eratie party. He has always, without exception, voted the democratic ticket, and is considered by his party a thor- oughbred, iron-clad, unflinching demo- crat of the old school.

H. H. Montgomery, A. M., has been a resident of this county since 1875. He was born in Scottville, Macoupin county, Ill., and is a son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Sharp) Montgomery, the former a native of West Virginia, and the latter of East Tennessee. They settled in Macoupin county in 1840, and at present are residents of Carlinville. The subject of this sketch was reared upon a farm, attaining his education at the university at Galesburg, and in the Blackburn University at Carlinville, graduating from the latter institution of learning in June, 1873, and three years later the university conferred upon him the degree of master of arts. In 1874-5 he had charge of the schools at Brighton, and the following six years of the Greenfield sehools. In 1880 he was also appointed county superintend- ent of schools, but at the expiration of six months resigned this office to accept the editorial management of the Car- rollton Gazette ; although his political friends afterward placed his name be- fore the state convention for nomination of superintendent, and out of eight contesting candidates he was second

only to the one who was successful, viz: Prof. Raab, the present incumbent. He continued editorial duty on the Gazette for two years, since which time he has been in the law office of H. C. Withers. On Thanksgiving day, 1880, he united his destinies with Minnie, a daughter of G. T. W. Sheffield, of Greenfield, the result of which was the birth of one son-Kenyon. Mr. Montgomery takes an active part in whatever pertains to the advancement of education, and in politics is a strong adherent to the principles of the democratie party. He is also a Knight Templar, and at pres- ent, High Priest of Carrollton chapter, Royal Arch Masons.

Duncan C. Melver was born near Murrayville, Morgan county, III., Aug. 12, 1831, being a son of William and Matilda (Cain) Melver, natives of North Carolina. When Duncan C. was an infant his parents removed to Tennes- see, and eight years later returned to Illinois, and located in Jacksonville. Two years later they removed to Me- Donough county, and lived near Macomb until Duncan C. attained his 14th year. While there he was a schoolmate of Congressman Neece. His parents then removed to a point near Carlinville, Macoupin county, where they resided some four years, then going to Mont- gomery county, where Duncan ( *. at- tained his majority. At the age of 18 years, Duncan began teaching school, which profession he followed steadily some five years. Sept. 17, 1854, he was united in marriage, near Hillsboro, Montgomery county, with Mary A. Tennis, a daughter of William and Nancy (Raleigh) Tennis. By this union they have been blessed with seven

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children, five of whom are now living- Frances Alice, Charles E., William T., Minnie M. and John A. From the time of his marriage until the breaking out of the war, Mr. McIver made his home in Montgomery county, where he was elected county surveyor in 1857, holding the same for four years, having been re-elected at the expiration of his first term. In 1862 he enlisted in Co. F., 122d Ill. Inf., as a private, and six months later was promoted from the ranks to second lieutenant. While serving with a small detachment of his company, at Trenton. Tenn .. he was captured, with his command, by For- rest's forces. Two days after they were paroled, and remained in parole camp, Benton Barracks, at St. Louis, until Sept. 1863, when they were ex- changed, and returned to their command at Salisbury, Tenn. At that point, the captain of his company having been placed under arrest, and the first lieutenant having been detailed as divis- ion quartermaster, Mr. MeIver was then left in command of the company, which he continued up to the 20th of March, 1864, when he was detailed by order of the secretary of war as assist- ant commissary of musters of the west- ern district of Kentucky, and was placed on the staff of Gen. Hugh T. Reed, and at different times was on the staff of Gens. Brayman, Prince, Payne and Meredith, serving in that capacity until the close of the war, when he was hon- orably discharged. At the elose of the war he settled with his family at Nil- wood, Ill., where he engaged in mercan- tile pursuits for two years. During that time, and previous thereto, he had been studying law, and, in 1868, was ad-

mitted to the bar by the supreme court. He then began the practice of his pro- fession, which he followed until 1877. In 1875 he came to Roodhouse, and two years later, embarked in the newspaper field, which he continued until some two years ago, since which time he has been practicing law. In 1876, he was the nominee of the republicans for the position of county attorney, his oppo- nent being J. R. Ward, who was elected, his party being largely in the majority, but Mr. Melver ran ahead of his ticket. Mr. MeIver is a member of the Girard, Macoupin county, lodge of I. O. O. F.,; also of the Jacob Fry Post No. 193, G. A. R. He was also a member of the K. of P. lodge at the time of the sur- render of its charter, and was chancel- lor commander at that time. Mrs. Melver is a member of the M. E. church, as are also her two daughters.

Mark Meyerstein, one of the mem- bers of the bar of White HIall, was born at Murawano Goshlin, province of Posen, Prussia, on the 27th day of October, 1836. His parents were William and Shenetta (Leshinsky) Meyerstein, both natives of Poland. They both died in their native country, about 1883. Mark was educated in the gymnasium at Po- sen, finishing at the "Real Schule," in Meseritz, where he graduated in 1853. In the spring of 1854 he came to the United States, and after spending a short time in New York, he went to Kentucky, where he engaged at Simp- sonville as a salesman. In 1855, he went to St. Louis, in the same business, remaining there until 1860. He then went to Scottsville, Macoupin county, Ill., and engaged in the mercantile bus- iness for himself. In the month of Sep-

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tember, 1863, he removed to White Hall, and engaged here in the mercantile bus- iness. This he continued until the spring of 1865, when he removed to Carrollton. From there he went to St. Louis, in January, 1866, and engaged in the wholesale clothing trade. After one year in that business, he returned to White Hall and engaged in the retail dry goods trade, which he continued two years. In his store he studied law, having determined to devote his life to the legal profession and devoted his at- tention to his studies with such assidu- ity that he was admitted to the bar in fall of 1867, while yet selling goods. He opened an office in 1869 and has since continued the practice of law. In this profession he has made for himself a reputation second to none in this part of the state. On the 17th day of May, 1861, he was married to Mary Hettick, a daughter of Perry and Sarah (Arm- strong) Ilettick,, natives of Ohio and Tennessee, respectively. Mr. Hettiek was an extensive farmer near Scottville. He died in 1883. By this marriage there are four children-Sarah S., William, Yetta, and Mark. Mr. Meyerstein is a member of Carrollton lodge No. 50, A., F. & A. M. In his profession he holds an enviable position and enjoys an ex- cellent reputation.

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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 84

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