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 94

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 94

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Peter Felter, deceased, was a native of Nyack, Rockland county, N. Y., and was born Oct. 19, 1819, his parents being William and Elizabeth (Slocum) Felter,

natives of New York. In 1834 they came to Illinois, locating near Carroll- ton, where Peter began learning the tailor's trade, which he afterward fin- ished in St. Louis. They moved to Fieldon, Jersey county, in 1844, where they resided until the death of Mr. William Felter, in 1846, when Mrs Felter removed to Jerseyville, and spent the remainder of her days there. In about the year 1843 our subject moved near Fieldon, where he bought 120 acres of land and to that he added exten- sively, and by also being engaged in boating, merchandising, stock raising, etc., laid the foundation of future suc- cess. In 1866 he moved to Greene county, and located on section 29 in Kane township, where he bought 223 acres of land Here, by prudence and thrift, he made for himself and family a home most comfortable, on a farm the best cultivated of any around him. He ac- cumulated acre by acre, until by taking advantage of every purchase that seemed profitable, he became the possessor of 1,000 acres of land. He was married Oct. 10, 1844, to Harriet G. Bramlette, daughter of Elkano and Sarah N. (Lofton) Bramlette. Mr. Felter spent most his time with his family. and his abundant means was used for their com- fort and pleasure. Unfortunately he had, while obtaining his property, undermined his health, by giving such constant care and attention to business, and from that on his constitution became wealer and weaker, until on Jan. 23, 18:1, at 1 o'clock p. m., he departed this life, leaving a widow and a large family of children. His departure was deeply felt by all who knew him. He was a kind and faithful husband, a lov-

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ing father and a true friend. After a life of activity, he had reached that pin- nacle of success, open to all who display that amount of energy that has marked Mr. Felter's career from boyhood.

William Mason, deceased, was born in Virginia, near Elizabethtown, Aug. 13, 1815, being a son of Joseph and Sarah (Wilson) Mason, natives of Mary- land. William came to Greene county in 1828, and located near Rockbridge, where he bought a farm of 160 acres, and lived there 20 years. He then sold it and moved to Macoupin county, where he bought 120 acres of land near Carlinville, and after remaining on that six years, he sold out and bought 80 acres of land in Jersey county. This he sold after a year's time, and removed to Greene county, locating on section IS, in Kane township, where he bought 84 acres of land. Here he spent the remaining days of his life. He was married, Dec. 30, 1850, to Abigail (Whitlock) Ritchey, daughter of Capt. James and Rhoda Whitlock. By this union they had three children, all of whom are dead. Mr. Mason died May 30, 1870, leaving a widow and three children, to mourn the loss of a kind and faithful husband and father; and the Baptist church to lose a true and liberal member. Mrs. Mason has one child living, by her first husband- Ilura, married to John Wright, residing in Kane township. She owns 84 acres of land, and manages the farm herself. She is a member of the Baptist church.

Captain James Whitlock, deceased, Mrs. Mason's father, came to Greene county in 1819, and located in what is now known as Kane township, on sec- tion 20, where he bought 900 acres of

land on that and adjoining sections, and remained until 1850. In April of that year, he started on the road to Cali- fornia, with three teams, and got as far as the plains when he took the cholera and died. There was quite a train of emigrants going through at the same time, and a great many of them died with this disease, In the year 1820, James was married to Rhoda Green, widow of Thomas Green. They were the parents of 10 children - Elizabeth, Abigail, Matheny, John W., Nancy, Henry R., Hannah D., and three who died in in- fancy. Only three are now living. They are-Abigail, Matheny and Han- nah. Captain Whitlock served all through the Black Hawk war of 1831-2.

Augustine T. Perry, a prominent resi- dent of Kane township, was born in Hopkinsville, Christian county, Ky., on the 23d of Sept., 1829, and was a son of Nathaniel M. and Frances 1.(Tandy) Perry. Col. Nathaniel M. Perry, a native of Orange county, Va., was born Nov. 30, 1806, being a son of James and Ann Perry, of English descent. His father died in 1815, and in 1818, his mother removed with her children to Christian county, Ky. She died Oet. 7, 1853, at the residence of her son, N. M. Perry, in Greene county, III. Col. Perry received his education in the schools of Kentucky, and after finishing, he engaged in teaching a se- leet school at Nashville, Tenn., and was very successful. In the winter of 1828 he was married to Frances 1. Tandy, daughter of Henry Tandy, of Clarks- ville, Tenn., originally from Virginia. By this union there were four children, of which Augustine, the subject of this sketch was one. After his marriage

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Mr. Perry engaged in agricultural pur- suits. He left the state of Kentucky and came to Illinois, arriving in Greene county in 1836, and soon after locating at Homer, where he built a residence and the first business house in the town. Ile put a general stock of merchandise in this store, and continued in that busi- ness until 1872, carrying on farming at the same time, he having bought 200 acres of land when he first came to the county. In 1855 he became partner in a firm to build a steam grist mill, and afterward became sole owner, which he was for several years. In the month of Dec., 1837, his wife died, and in 1840 he was again married to Eliza Hill, dauglı- ter of Rev. William Hill, formerly of Virginia. By this union there were five children. Col. Perry became a member of the Baptist church when only 17 years old, and ever afterward lived an exemplary life. He was a deacon in the church for many years. In July, 1861,he was again called upon to mourn the loss of his wife. In the fall of 1864 he was nominated and elected to the legislature, by the democratic party, which position he ably filled, with honor and integrity. On the 2d of Oct., 1872, he was married to Mary Bowman, daugh- ter of Martin Bowman of Carrollton. AAfter selling his store out he retired from business altogether, intending to take some ease and enjoyment the re- mainder of his days. On the 5th of Oct., 1875, he departed this life. He was ad- mired by all for his sociability, honor- able integrity and rectitude. Augustine went behind the counter in his father's store when he was in his 16th year, and remained as clerk 10 years. He then became a partner, and so continued for

two years. Jan. 1, 1858, he withdrew, giving place to a younger brother, J.M. Perry, now of Kansas City, Mo. In June, 1858, he formed a partnership with his brother-in-law, Dr. B. G. Culver, and sold goods at White Hall for four years, when he was advised by his physicians to quit the business, which he did, and in the fall of 1862, returned to his old home, and engaged in farming, and has since continued in that occupation. He now owns 800 aeres of valuable land, and is an extensive farmer and dealer in stock. He is a member of the R.A.M. chapter, No. 77, and of commandery, No. 29, of Carrollton, and also of the A. F. & A. M., of Kane. In polities, he is a demoerat. He is one of Greene county's wealthy and most prominent men, and enjoys the esteem of all who know him.

Ira White was born in Greene county, Ill., on the 24th of Feb., 1837. He was a son of Jesse and Tabitha (Carrico) White, his father a native of Madison county, Ill., and his mother of Ken- tueky. His parents came to Greene county at an early day, settling in what is now Kane township, near the west line, on the Macoupin creek. His father entered 160 aeres of land, work- ing for 50 cents a hundred making rails to get enough money to pay for entering it. He toiled hard, thus making a sue- cessful farmer, so that at the time of his death he owned considerable land. When he first came to Greene county, deer was more plenty than rabbits now are, and wild turkeys were seen by the hundreds. In those early days the people were compelled to kill such game for food. He was one of the old- est settlers in this township. Ira White spent his youth with his parents on the

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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

farm, and when he became of age, in 1858, his father gave him 40 acres of land in Jersey county. He farmed that one year and then traded it to his brother, Louis, for the homestead of 85 acres, to which he moved and has since made his home. He now owns 140 acres of land on Sec. 36, T. 9, R. 12, and his residence, with all its surround- ings, show him to be a man of energy, intelligence and enterprise. Ile has been twice married, first, on the 4th of March, 1858, to Fannie Close, daughter of William and Lucretia Close. To them were born two children, both of whom are dead. Mrs. White died in 1869, and in 1870 he was again married to Eliza Close, a sister of his first wife. He and his wife were both born on the farm he now owns. By this marriage there are two children-Thirza and Minnie. In the fall of 1883, he, with some others, took a trip to Black river, on a hunting expedition. They hired a steamer and went down the river and staid two weeks, during which time they killed eight deer, and a number of ducks, turkeys and squirrels. They re- turned home feeling refreshed, and with many pleasant recollections of the good time they had spent.

Charles F. Gano, a native of Berkeley county, Va., (now West Virginia) and was born May 25, 1832. He was a son of John L. and Mary (Hartsook) Gano, natives of Virginia. In 1840, he, with his parents, came to Greenfield, Greene county, Ill., where they staid one win- ter. They came through with a four- horse wagon, being on the road several weeks. In the spring of 1841, they moved to what is now Kane township, locating on Sec. 6, T. 9, R. 11, where

John L. bought 160 acres of land. Ile lived there until 1858, when he sold ou and removed to Henry county, Mo., and there bought 1,200 acres of land, where he remained until his death, in Feb., 1883. His wife died in 1880. -Charles F. started out for himself at the age of 22, first renting land of his father; but in the course of a year or so, bought 160 acres of land in Kane township, and has since lived on it. He moved there in March, 1855. He now owns 320 acres on section 2, in Kane township, 20 acres in Benton county, and 100 acres in St. Clair county, Mo. His residence, with its convenient and pleasant surroundings, show that he is a man of vim, thrift and intelligence. He was married March 8, 1855, to Caro- line Hoffman, daughter of William and Margaret (Goforth) Hoffman. They are the parents of 10 children, seven of whom are living-John W., married Susan F. Foley, and resides in Kane township; Maggie B., wife of John O. Carter, Jr., residing in Carrollton town- ship; Mary J., wife of George Carter, of Carrollton township; Freddie V., Avery W., Emma C., and Leonard. Those deceased, are-Charles F., Alva W. and Arthur. Mr. and Mrs. Gano are members of the Baptist church. Mr. Gano has held the office of school director for about 15 years, and is now holding the office of township trustee. Heis one of the leading and influential men of his township.

George Cole was born in Greene county, Ky., April, 3, 1840, and is a son of William and Mary (Bolin) Cole, na- tives of Kentucky. His father died in Keokuk county, fa., in 1844. The fam- ily came to Greene county in 1845, and

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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

located on Lorton's Prairie, where they ; of land on section 33, where he remained about 12 years. In 1857, they lived until his death, which occurred in 1872. 1lis mother is still living, and resides with her son Richard, the sub- ject of this sketeh. His early life was spent on his father's farm, he remaining there until his death. Dec. 19, 1866. he was married to Martha M. Snell, daugh- ter of Dr. Asa and Priseilla Emeline (Landon) Snell. They are the parents of four children: James H., Gussie L., Susan E. and Charles E. Mr. Waddle owns 310 aeres of land, 110 of which lies in Jersey county, and 200 on section 33, this township and county. Mr. and Mrs. Waddle are members of the M. E. church of Kane. Mr. Waddle has been an industrious farmer, and thus has laid by enough to ensure him a comfortable life as long as he lives. moved to Jersey county, near Delhi, where George farmed until 1868. His mother died there in the year 1855, and after her death the children scattered here and there, to do for themselves. On the 10th of Aug., 1869, George was married to Louisa Switle, daughter of William and Elizabeth Swifle. By this union there were three children-Levi, Lilian and Rosa L. In the year 1875, his wife died, and in the year 1876, he was again married to Millie Ann Shaw. By this marriage there was one child- Millie A. In 1877 he was ealled to mourn the loss of his second wife. He was married the third time in 1879. to Maria Morris. They are the parents of one child-William. Mrs. Cole has three children by a former marriage- Mary, Freeman and Rosa. Mr. Cole owns 120 aeres of land on seetion 26, in this township, and is an industrious farmer. In politics he is an independ- ent.

Richard C. Waddle was born in Jer- sey county, May 19, 1842. His parents were William G. (deceased) and Susan C. (Fuller) Waddle, his father being a native of Mississippi, his mother of North Carolina. When William P. was one year old, his parents eame to Illi- nois, and located in Madison county, where they resided a number of years. IIe then removed to Jersey county, and located at what is now Newbern, remain- ing there until 1848. In that year Wm. (. moved to Greene county, to what is now New Kane, and there bought 40 acres of land, on which he lived for two years. Hle then sold and moved to Jersey county, there buying 80 acres

Joseph Dressel, a native of Germany, was born on the 19th of March, 1843, his parents being Fiadel and Sophia Dressel, natives of Germany. In 1853, he with his parents bade farewell to their fatherland and took passage at Havre on a sailing vessel bound for New Orleans. On arriving there, they sailed up the river to St. Louis, where they remained three years. His father was a stone-cutter by trade, and worked at it while in St. Louis, and after that time he came to Greene county, Ill., loeating on Link's branch, and working on the railroad a short time. Joseph's father, mother and two sisters died in St. Louis. Joseph remained in that city awhile after his father left, and then followed him to Greene county, where he worked around for two or three years. In 1861, he went to Old Kane and worked in the flouring mill two years. He then bought a steam

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thresher, the first that was brought into Kane township, and has since engaged in threshing, during the season. He came to Greene county without a dollar, but by keen judgment, integrity and attending strictly to business, he has accumulated a small fortune, owning 192 acres of well cultivated land on sec- tion 36, and a fine residence in Old Kane, which was built at a cost of about 84,000. Not many have had to toil as Mr. Dressel has, to make a start in life. In the month of Dec., 1865, he was united in marriage with Minerva Hudson, daughter of John H. and Samantha (Hodge) Hudson. This mar- riage has been blessed with eight chil- dren, seven of whom are living-Mat- tie, Jessie, Freddie, John, Addie, Wal- ter and Warren, the last two being twins. The one deceased is George, who died in 1874. Mr. Dressel is a member of King Solomon's lodge, No. 197, of Kane, and of chapter No. 77, of Carrollton, and of Hugh de Payen's commandery, No. 29, all of the A. F. and A. M. In politics he is a democrat. Mr. Dressel has by honesty and integ- rity won the estimation of all who know him or have had any dealings with him.

Henry Curtius was born in Greene county, Ill., on Feb. 6, 1858, his parents being Luman and Ellen R. (Beeby) C'ur- tius. His father was a native of New York and his mother of the state of New York. They came to Greene county in the fall of 1844, and located one mile east of Carrollton, where Mr. Curtius bought 800 acres of land on which he has since resided. He has been a suc- cessful farmer and ranks among the best of them. Our subject, Henry, was reared on the farm of his parents, where

he remained until he was 22 years of age. In the year 1881 he bought the place where he now resides, consisting of 120 acres of land on section 17, Kane township. He has been twice married, first on the 17th of March, 1880, to Minnie A. Landis, daughter of Wm. II. and Mary Landis. By this marriage there was one child-Nellie M. On the 30th of March, 1882, his wife died. He was again married on the 3d of April, 1884, to Lois Lee. daughter of John M. and Mary Lee. Politically, Mr. Curtius is a republican, and is an industrious and intelligent citizen.

Rowland B. Huitt was born in Greene county, on the 4th of May, 1822, hence is among the oldest residents in this county. His parents were John W. and Rosanna (IFarriford) Huitt, his father being a native of Franklin county, Ga., and his mother of Tennessee. They came from Georgia, and located in what is now Jersey county, Ruyle township, in 1818, and John W., with his brother Hiram, entered a half section of land where he remained until 1823. In the spring of that year he purchased 80 acres of land in Linder township, on which he removed and remained until 1878, when he removed to Carrollton, where he lived until his death, Oct., 22, 1882, he having survived his wife a few years. She died on the 21st of April 1880. Rowland spent his youth on the farm, working for his parents until he was 24 years of age. He then com- inenced in life for himself, and farmed two years on his father's farm. In the spring of 1849, he removed to Kane township, and located on section 25, where he still resides. Mr. IIuitt was married on the 29th of March, 1844, to

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IHISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

Meddy A. Liles, daughter of George W. and Elizabeth Liles. They are the parents of nine children, five of whom are living-William, married Olivia J. O'Fara, (now dead) is now in Kansas; 1 Elizabeth married Richard Rains, and resides in Kane; Richard, married Sarah A. Jackson; John W., married Mary A. Brooks, resides in this county; and Ella, at home. Those deceased are- Elizabeth, Rosanna, Lillie L., and one who died in infancy. Mr. Huitt owns 180 acres of land on which he raises stock and grain, and is a successful farmer. He was elected township trustee in 1880, and served four years. Mr. and Mrs. Huitt are members of the Providence church.

John W. Hunter, deceased, was born in county Antrim, Ireland, on the 9th of Feb., 1824, being a son of John and Catherine (Wallace) Hunter, natives of Ireland. In 1851 he bade farewell to his fatherland, and taking passage on a vessel at Belfast, sailed for New York. From there he went to New Jersey, where he remained two years. In 1853, he came to Illinois, locating near Jer- seyville, where he followed farming a short time. Ile rented land for about 12 years, and then purchased some. In 1867, he came to Greene county and purchased 200 acres of land, 80 of which lies in Jersey county, and the remainder on section 33, in Kane township, where he resided until his death, which oc- cured on the 20th of Feb., 1882. He was twice married; tirst to Jane Robb, daughter of James and Esther Robb, on the 14th of Nov., 1848. By this union they had eight children, six of whom are living-Sarah, married Frank E. Brown, resides in Kane; James, married

Allie D. Davis, resides in Carlinville; William A .; Albert E., deceased; mar- ried Martha J. Allen, who resides in this county; Thomas, Sophronia A., wife of William Fitzgerald, resides in Sumner county, Kan .; Charles W. and a child who died in infancy. Mrs. Hun- ter died Jan. 5, 1867, and Mr. Hunter was again married, June 18, 1868, to Matilda J. Crone. By this union they had eight children, five of whom are living. They are -- John, Mary, Harry, Julia and Mabel. Those deceased are -- Jessie, and two who died in infancy. Mrs. Hunter now owns 130 acres of land, and the farm is managed by Wmn. Hunter, her step-son. Mrs. Hunter and family are members of the M. E. church.

John G. Weller, a native of Wurtem- burg, Germany, was born on the 30th of May, 1834. He was a son of Christo- pher and Catharine Weller, natives of Germany. His father was a farmer and followed that occupation in the old country. In June, 1853, after bidding farewell to country and friends, he took passage at Bremen and sailed to New York. On arriving there he went to New Jersey, and after working on a farm four years, he left that state and came to Illinois, where he worked on a farm two years in Jersey county. In 1859 he came to Greene county and settled on section 35, where he farmed for six years, and then removed to another por- tion of the same section, where he had bought 20 acres of land. lle built a house on it, but only remained there one year, then removed to the Good- man farm and lived there nine years. He then bought 120 aeres of land on Sec. 34, T. 9, R. 12, to which he moved and

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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

has since remained. On Nov. 9, 1862, he was united in marriage with Matilda Foster, daughter of Mrs Matilda Foster. They are the parents of six children, five of whom are living-John F., Wil- ham B., Edward E., Katie and Delia A. The one deceased is Christie. Mr. Weller's farm now contains 129 acres of land, and he has procured this by indus- try and enterprise.

John L. Bray was born in Jersey county, Illinois, April 26, 1848, his parents being Ira and Mary ( White) Bray, his father a native of North Caro- lina, and his mother of Illinois. His father came to Jersey county at a very early day, and located near Grafton, where he lived for several years. He then moved into Otterville precinct, where he resided nntil his death, which occurred in the year 1851. when that dreadful disease, cholera, was raging, and with which he was carried off. His wife survived him until the fall of 1860, when she too was laid to rest. John L. remained with his parents during their lifetime, being left an orphan when only 10 years of age. His grandmother then took him to raise, and with her he lived two years. He then came to Greene county, and lived with his uncle, Jesse White, for four years, when he began working around, and continued so doing until he was married. In 1874, he began to learn the plasterer's trade, and worked at it four years. On the 26th of Nov., 1876, he was married to Sarah F. Stamps, daughter of Thomas and Ellen (Lapiere) Stamps. Mr. Bray farms to some extent, but works most of the time at his trade, plastering and briek masonry, and is a good workman. In politics, he is a republican.

Thomas S. Parker was born in Hamp- shire county, W. Va., on the 28th of Feb., 1837, his parents being Jacob W. and Mary (Ludwig) Parker, natives of West Virginia. His father was born in June, 1801, and his mother in May, of the same year, and they were married in 1824, in their native state, and re- mained there until 1837. In the fall of that year they came to Greene county and located on Sec. 14, T. 9, R. 12, where they lived seven years. They then moved on to the west half of the southeast quarter of section 14, which they rented for seven years, after which time they purchased the same, contain- ing SO acres, and Jacob lived on this until his death, July 26, 1871. He lived in this county 14 years before he owned any real estate. At the time of his death he owned 160 acres. When they left Virginia they went over the moun- tains to Wheeling, in wagons, and from there by water to St. Louis, thenee to Columbia. where they landed. Thomas S., the subject of this sketch, remained with his parents on the farm during their lifetime, and afterwards took charge of the homestead and made his home there until 1883. In 1874, Mr. Parker, who had been farming and deal- ing in stock up to that time, had a pub- lie sale and disposed of all his personal property, after which he went to St. Louis and joined the firm of M. C. Thompson & Co., dealing in live stock at the stock yards. After being there about seven months, he became dissat- isfied, dissolved partnership, and made a trip to the old homestead in Virginia. From there he came home, staid a short time, and then went to Kansas, where he had taken a claim of 160 acres. He

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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

remained there during the years of 1875 and 1876, and bought 1,200 acres of land on which he commenced improvements. In 1877, he returned home, and shortly afterward sold and traded off all the Kansas land. He now owns about 1,200 acres of land, all in Greene county. He was married on the 10th of March, 1878, to Lydia Gilleland, daughter of Robert and Lucy Gilleland. Mr. and Mrs. Parker are the parents of three children -Susan, Mary E. and Ruth, Mr. Par- ker is a member of the A. F. & A. M. lodge, at Kane, and is, in politics, a democrat. He is one of the wealthiest and most prominent men in the county, and is noted for his enterprise and in- tegrity.

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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 94

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