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 99

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 99

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Stephen Spencer was born in Ben- nington, Vt., of English parentage, and was educated in the schools of his na- tive state. Oct. 29, 1829, he was mar- ried to Catherine Walker, daughter of Johnson Walker, an old resident of the the state of Vermont. Mr. Spencer and wife had five children, only two of whom are now living. In the fall of 1833 he left the scenes of his childhood, for the great west, and after loading his

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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

family in the wagon, with some others, started for Illinois, where the arrived Oct. 28, 1833. He immediately after settled in T. 10, R. 13, Greene county, at the base of the blutf's on the Illinois } river bottom. The following year he built a good, commodious brick house, which at that time was the finest and best house in the county. Mr. Spencer was in rather comfortable circumstances when he came Illinois, and he pur- chased a fine tract of land. He was among that hardy class of New Eng- landers who inherit purity of principles, energy, and economy, and was a fair ex- ample of the Yankee character, pos- sessing these qualities in a high degree. He had what could be classed, for that day, a liberal education, and was a man who, by his careful reading, kept well posted on the current topics of the day. At the time of his settling on the Illi- nois bottom, there was no system of edu- cation, and to obviate that difficulty, for the benefit of his own and others' children of the neighborhood, and he built a brick school at his own expense. He was a man of great kindness of heart, and his liberality was felt far beyond the limits of his own family. He was in the war of 1812, and took part in the contest of Plattsburg. Mr. Spencer was generally of delicate health. Their only daughter is the wife of Vilroy Rob- ley, residing within a short distance of the old homestead. Mr. Spencer died at his residence on the 26th of Nov., 1846. Mrs. Spencer died Sept. 9, 1873.

Henry R. Spencer was born in Ver- gennes, Vt., May 8, 1833, his parents being Stephen and Catherine Spencer, with whom he came to Illinois, when but an infant, they settling a quarter of

a mile south of the place where Mrs. Etta Spencer now resides. Henry R. was twice married. First on the 11th of June, 1856, to Laura A. Smead, a na- tive of Vermont. To them were born four children, the first of whom died when an infant-Stephen W., born Feb. 5, 1859, died Feb. 1, 1879, at the age of 21 years; William, married Libbie Ed- monds, and John R., living with his brother, William. Mr. Spencer died Dec. 12, 1863. Mr. Spencer was again united in marriage, on the 9th day of Nov., 1865, to Etta B. Woodcock, daugh- ter of Edmond and Susanna Woodcock. Her father died in Quincy, Ill., about the year 1855. Her mother is yet living, at the advanced age of S5 years, and re- sides at Greenfield. Mr. and Mrs. Spencer were the parents of seven chil- dren, three of whom are living-Edwin A., Charles H. and James F. Those deceased are-Julia, died Aug. 31, 1879; Gertrude, died Feb. 10, 1874; an in- fant son, died Sept. 2, 1875, and Cath- erine S., died June 6, 1880. Mr. Spencer departed this life on the 9th day of Oct., 1873, and was laid to rest in the family burying ground. He was a member of the Masonic order, which body officiated at his funeral. He was a faithful hus- band, a loving father, and an enterpris- ing citizen, and his loss was mourned by all. He had accumulated a large amount of land, thus leaving his family in very comfortable circumstances. Mrs. Spencer still resides at the homestead, which consists of 1,100 acres on sections 3 and 4, in this township. She is a men- ber of the M. E. church at Richwoods. and is a very intelligent and estimable lady.

William B. Spencer, oldest living

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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

child of Ilenry R. and Laura (Smead) Spencer, was born in this county Sept. 15, 1861. Ilis father was an early set- tler in the county and was identified with its interests for over half a cen- tury. William was born and reared in Bluffdale township, and yet resides there, being the owner of 175 aeres of land, on which is a spacious and hand- some residence, erected in 1882. The main building is 28x40 feet in dimen- sions, and two stories in height. Mr. Speneer was married on the 24th of Dee., 1882, to Libbie Edmonds, a native of Greene county, and a daughter of Thomas Ellsbury and Naney Jane Ed- monds. By this marriage three chil- dren were born, of whom one is living -Minnie Amelia. Two died in infancy. Mr. Spencer is a careful, enterprising farmer, hence pleasant, comfortable surroundings are to be found at his farm, and he is a genial, companionable gentleman.

Thomas Logan, a native of the Pal- metto state, South Carolina, came here from Bond county, Il., where he had been living, in 1835, and made a settle- ment in this township, In 1867, he left here, going to Missouri, where he died, in 1869. His wife, nee Elizabeth Swann, born in South Carolina, died in Wisconsin, in 1843, of the small-pox.

With him, came his son, Alexander Logan, who was born in 1813, in South Carolina, and who is living in this township yet. Alexander was married in this county, to Lucinda Aslott, in 1837. She died in 1841, when he was again married, in 1842, to Mary Flatt. They live on section 15.

ORGANIC.

At the time when the county was re-

organized, in 1885. the election in this township was held at the North Rich- woods school house, in district No. 1, at which time the following officers were chosen: F. M. Fishback, super- visor; E. C. Sackett, clerk; Arthur Robley, assessor and treasurer; Daniel Flatt, Stephen King and Wesley Flatt, highway commissioners.

SEELEY'S MILL.

One of the oldest mills in the county, is the Seeley mill, which stands on Sec. 1, T. 10, R. 13. It lately belonged to Judge A. S. Seeley. It is about 40x50 feet in ground area, and two and a half stories in height. It is equipped with two sets of buhrs, one for Hour and one for corn, and is run by water power, furnished by Apple ereek. The dam is 130 feet wide, and has a fall of six feet. The mill is furnished with the pietur- esque, but clumsy, old-fashioned tub wheel. The wheat that J. H. Jones, the miller, can grind up in a day, will average about 60 bushels. All the work is custom. This mill was built by John and James Beeman, about the year 1821. At first they put up a rude saw-mill, with which they sawed out the lumber for the grist mill. They were the first to run the mill, and did a good busi- ness.

John H. Jones was born in Gallia county, O., July 10, 1838, and is a son of G. W. and Eliza A. Jones, both de- ceased. They were natives of Virginia. His mother died in Ohio when John was a mere child. His father came with him to Illinois in 1878, locating in Greene county, where he died in the fall of 1883. John H. learned the mill- ing business at his home in Ohio, when

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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

a boy. In July, 1862, he enlisted in Co. L, 7th O. Cav., and was assigned to the army of the Cumberland, under the command of Gen. Kilpatrick. He was with him during the Atlanta cam- paign, and the raid around that city. He was with Sherman's army in all the fighting from Chattanoaga, including Resaca, Dalton, Marietta. Altoona, Kenesaw and other battles. After the taking of the city, he went back to go on the Wilson raid, and went all through that, with the command to which he belonged, after which he came back to Nashville, Tenn., where he was mus- tered out in July, 1865. He then re- turned to Ohio, and in the fall of that year, came to Hamilton county, III., where he resided until coming to Greene county, in 1876, locating under the bluff in Bluffdale township. He followed ferming after coming to Illinois, until he took charge of the Seely mill, July 15, 1885. He was married in Ohio, Nov. 15, 1860, to Mary Hemphill, a na- tive of Ohio. Their marriage was blessed with a family of 10 children, eight of whom are living-Ella, George, William, Walter, Elizabeth, Joseph, Clara and Maude. Those deceased are -Belle and Charles. Mr. Jones is an industrious man, and gives careful at- tention to the business in which he is engaged.

BLUFFDALE POSTOFFICE

Was established in 1829, during the ad- ministration of President Jackson. The first postmaster was John Russell, who remained in that capacity until 1843, when he was succeeded by W. A. J. Russell. In 1849, he, in turn, was fol- lowed by his father, John Russell, who held it until the time of his death, Jan.

21,1863. S. G. Russell was then ap- pointed to fill the vacancy, receiving his commission on the 3d of Feb., 1863, and has been the postmaster ever since. The first postoffice was in the log cabin in which the Russell family lived when they first came here. This was about 16x18 feet in ground area, one and a half stories high.

ELDRED POSTOFFICE.

This was established July 1, 1884, with Warren Beebe as postmaster. The office is kept at his residence, on Sec. 33, T. 10, R. 13. The first postoffice in this vicinity was kept years ago by Jordan Calvin. He was succeeded by Richard S. Cole, who bought out the the improvements of Calvin, and kept the postoffice in the same house.

EDUCATIONAL.

School district No. 3 .- The first school house in this district was built about the year 1839. It was a stone building, built without windows, and only a little dome on top to admit light. Cyrus Sargent taught the first school here in about 1840, and at that time gave the building the name of "Stone Jug," a name quite applicable, and which stuck to it as long as it was used for a school house. It has since been enlarged and is now used as a depot by the L., C. & W. R. R.

Distriet No. 5, is better and more fa- miliarly known as "Whistle Jacket." The first school in this district was held in the dwelling house of John Snyder, on section 23. He bought this place in 1849, and on the land was a log cabin, and as he was not ready just then to move into it, he allowed it to be used

HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 841

for school purposes. Stephen Lewis was the pioneer teacher. When Mr. Sny- der moved into the house with his fam- ily, he still allowed them to use one end of it for a school, while he lived in the other. In 1850, by permission of Mr. Snyder, a log school house was erected on his land, on the site of the present building, he furnishing the money and part of the work, the balance of the work being furnished by the dis- triet. A Miss Miller was the first teacher. This school was christened by some one by the euphonious nick- name that its successor bears, even to this day. The building spoken of con- tinued in use until 1861, when a new one was erceted on its sice, at a cost of $400. The first teacher here was Eliza- beth Martin. The present directors arc-Wm. Dan, Wm. S. Flatt and J. F. Huff. Present teacher-A. W. Scott.

REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS.

Hiram Keach, deceased, was born at Abingdon, Va., in 1802. He was there reared to manhood, and learned the saddlery business at Stevens' tannery. Ile was educated there by his brother John R., who was a Methodist preacher. He followed the saddlery business in his native state until coming to Illinois, about the year 1829. He located at Albion, Edwards county, where he con- tinued his business until 1833, when he removed to Carrollton. There he added merchandising to the saddlery business, and carried that on awhile, and finally commenced dealing in land. During his life he accumulated vast tracts of land in Greene and other counties in Illinois, and also in Missouri and Texas. He was married in Scottsville, Va., to

Cary Ann Mayo, a native of Virginia, living near the University, at Char- lottesville. They were the parents of two children-John Roswell, whose sketch follows this, and Virginia, wife of Joseph Brown, formerly mayor of St. Louis. She died in Carrollton in Nov., 1882. Hiram Keach died in Sept., 1868, his wife surviving him until Feb., 1881. Both are buried in the Carrollton cemetery. Mr. Keach was one of the early settlers of the county, and became one of its most prominent and prosperous residents. He was a member of the Masonic order.

Capt. John R. Keach, the only living child of Hiram Keach, was born in Ed- wards county, Ill., Oct. 21, 1830. When three years of age, he removed with his parents to Carrollton, Greene county, and was there reared and received his preliminary eeducation, then finishing at Shurtleff College, Upper Alton. After leaving college he went on the river and was there captain of several river boats- the MeKee, running from Keokuk to Rock Island, the Tishomingo and Ben Campbell, making the same runs, and the L. M. Kennett, running to New Or- leans, continuing on that from the spring of 1859, until May 10, 1861, the night of the taking of Camp Jackson. After that he bought the steamer Emina, at Helena, and started down the river with a fleet of 84 boats, and was in all the fighting on the Yazoo river, at Haines' Bluff, Young's Point and Ar- kansas Post, and was with the fleet almost until the taking of Vieksburg. His boat, the Emma, was one of those who went down the pass, and she was so badly torn up that the repairs made by Capt. Keach, at St. Louis, cost the

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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

government $23,000. He made one more trip with her up the Missouri river, and was fired on continually from the banks. He then retired from that branch of the service and located in St. Louis, where he entered the wholesale grocery trade, as a member of the firm of Wilson & Keach. He continued in that business from 1864 till 1876, when he came to Calhoun county, locating at Reed's Landing, where he built a home and made improvements. The resi- denee erected was a fine two-story build- ing, 30x40. The next year he determined to remove the house across the river, and by his knowledge of boating he was enabled to complete the undertaking. He located it two miles from the shore on the opposite side of the river, the undertaking being completed in safety and without any damage, the carpets not even being taken off the floor. He has resided on Sec. 31, T. 11, R. 13, ever sinee. He was married in New York city, June 29, 1872, to Anna C. Coffin, a native of Dutchess county, N. Y., and a daughter of William H. and Jane (Mabbett) Coffin. Both were natives of New York, her father being born in Dutchess county, and her mother in the city of Albany. Mr. Coffin was a wealthy and noted railroad owner and director, distiller and banker. Mr. and Mrs. Keach were the parents of five children, of whom three are living- John Roswell, Jr., Anna Pearl and Grace Reed. Those deceased are-Virginia, died in Calhoun county at the age of four years, and one who died in infancy. Capt. Keach has about 10,000 acres of land, all in Greene county, and may be elassed among the wealthiest land owners in the state, and is a most

genial, intelligent gentlemen. His father came to Greene county over half a century ago, and when he came to Carrollton and engaged in the manufac- ture of saddlery, he was the first one in that line there. He ran a large number of hands, and sold his goods as far south as Louisiana, and also in many parts of the west.

George Darr was born in York county, Pennsylvania, June 7, 1817, his parents being John and Catherine (Wunbach) Darr, both natives of Pennsylvania. When George had reached the age of 12 years, he went to Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, where he was reared to manhood. His parents also removed to that county five years later. George was brought up to farm life and has fol- lowed that occupation nearly all his life. He was married in his native state, Sept. 4, 1836, to Rebecca Hoffman, anative of Pennsylvania, and a daughter of Philip and Savina (Benedict) Hoffman. Both her parents were born in Pennsylvania, and there both died. In the fall of 1848 Mr. Darr removed to Illinois and located in Calhoun county, where he rented land for three and a half years. He then came to Greene county, locat- ing in what is now Carrollton town- ship, where he remained six years, and then bought 200 aeres on sections 23 and 24, in Bluffdale township, where he has since resided. He found comparatively no improvements there, at that time, but set right to work with an energy, bound to effect prosperity. Mr. and Mrs. Darr were the parents of 10 chil- dren, of whom nine are living-Eliza- beth, wife of Willard Swan, is now de- ceased; Amos, married Henrietta Adams, lives in this township; Susan, wife of

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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

Dennis Flatt, living in Johnson county, Kansas; Catherine, living at home; Mary Ann, wife of Reuben Proffil, living in Rice county, Kansas; Sarah, wife of Elias Swires, living in Missouri; Rebecca, married Edward Butte, living in Marion county, Kansas; George Wil- liam, married Louisa Snyder, lives on the home place; Ruth E., wife of Wil- liam Robinet, living in Missouri, and Adeline, wife of Arthur Bendy, living at the Darr homestead. Mr. and Mrs. Darr are members of the Pacific Union Baptist church, of Bluffdale township. Coming here over a third of a century ago, with no money and no capital, save willing hands, Mr. and Mrs. Darr have persevered until they now have a splen- didly improved farm, owning 200 acres of land, with fine improvements. George Darr found timber on most of his land when he came here; its place is now occupied by one of the finest farms in the county. Mr. Darr desires to sell his place, and any one seeking a location could find no pleasanter one than this.

. John Snyder was born in Hanover, Germany, June 9, 1819, his parents being Harmon G. and Mary (Benen) Snyder. There John was reared to farm life, and lived in his native coun- try until he had reached the age of 19 years. He then bade adieu to relatives and friends, and going to Bremen, took passage on a vessel bound for New Orleans, touching at San Domingo and other points in that latitude. After a voyage of 11 weeks, he arrived at New Orleans, and after a stay of five days in the Crescent City, he took a boat for St. Louis, and 16 days later he arrived at that city. He remained there six

days, and then came up to Calhoun county, where he remained one month, and then came to Greene county, in April, 1839, and has been a resident of the county since. Ile first went to work for Ward Eldred, and remained in his employ about two years. Ile leased land from William Eldred, in 1842, in what is now Carrollton township, and there remained until he came to his present location, on Sec. 23, T. 10, R. 13. At that time he purchased 70 acres of land, but, through industry and good management, he has added to that from time to time, until he now has 550 acres in that tract, besides 40 acres in another. He was married in this county, May 28, 1840, to Nancy Portwood, a native of Hart county, Ky., and daughter of Lloyd and Sallie Portwood. Her parents were both born in southern Kentucky and re- moved from there to southern Illinois in 1823, and from there to Greene county in 1829, locating in what is now Carroll- ton township. Both died the same year after coming to this county. Mr. and Mrs. Snyder were the parents of seven children-Hiram, married Lanra Ann Flatt, lives in Greene county; Louisa, wife of William George Darr, living in Bluffdale township; John Allen, married Susan Campbell, lives in this county. Those deceased are-Mary Ann, William S., James, and one who died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Snyder are members of the Pacific Union United Baptist church. Mr. Snyder has been township treas- urer since 1862, and still holds that position. He has been justice of the peace for 12 years and was a member of the commissioners' court for three years. He has been identified with the educa- tional interests of his district since its

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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

early days, and is a man whom the com- munity place all confidence in on account of his honesty, integrity and enterprise.

Nathaniel Pegram was born in Bruns- wick, Va., on the 15th day of Sept., 1807, and is a son of Edward and Re- becea (Ifarper) Pegram, natives of Vir- ginia. His father died about the year 1820, in Virginia. His mother and fam- ily then moved to Alabama. On the 15th of Sept., 1838, Nathaniel was mar- ried to Elizabeth King, who was raised by her unele, John King, she being an orphan. By this marriage, there were 12 children-Alvin, married, and lives in Carrollton, where he is engaged in the lumber business; Edward B., mar- ried Rosa Watson, living near Wood- ville; J. B., married Elizabeth Rollins, living in Bluffdale township; Martha J., wife of Herbert Taylor, living in Carrollton; Maria, wife of Samuel Gra- ham, living near Middletown, Mo .; Elizabeth, wife of Richard N. Kelly, living near Udel, Kan .; Nathaniel, married Nellie J. Vinyard, residing in Bluffdale township; Caroline, wife of John Vinyard, residing near White Hall; and four children, two boys and two girls, that died in infancy. Mr. Pegram has a fine farm of 501 acres, in T. 10, R. 13, and he divides his atten- tion between the raising of stock and grain, and the success with which he has met, is due to his thrift and energy. He was elected captain of a militia company, in Alabama, when he was in his 18th year, and served in that eapac- ity for three years. Mr. Pegram has been connected with the schools of his district, as director, and has also held the office of supervisor, and performed the duties of these offiees with honesty.

F. M. Fishback was born in Culpep- per county, Va., on the 30th day of March, 1830, and is a son of Frederick and Sophia A. Fishback, natives of Virginia. He came west in 1851, and settled where he now lives, in Bluff- dale township. He owns 235 acres of land on S. 13, T. 10, R. 13, and 80 acres on seetion 10, of the same township and range, which he is the possessor of through his industry and economy. Farming and stock-raising take up all his attention. On the 4th of Sept., 1855, he was married to Mary L. Stith, a daughter of Daniel B. and Mary L. Stith, natives of Virginia. They are the parents of six children-Etta, mar- ried Donald Simpson, now living in Carrollton township; David M., in the flour business with R. H. Davis, in Carrollton; Katie L., Edith V., Frank and Frederick L. Mr. Fishback was a a member of the county commissioners' court, from 1865 to 1873. He is the present supervisor of this township, is member of the Good Templar's and the Masonie lodge, at Carrollton, and of the M. E. church at that place.

Louis Lembke was born in the Grand Duchy of Mecklenburg Schwerin, Nov. 29, 1833, his parents being Ludwig and Elizabeth (Jennerjohn) Lembke. He spent his early life in his native country, and there learned the trade of a guilder or worker in fine metals, beginning his apprenticeship in his 16th year, and continuing until he had reached the age of 20 years. On completing his appren- ticeship, he bade adieu to family and friends, and going to Hamburg, took passage, March 1, 1854, on a vessel bound for New York. He landed there April 21, 1854, and after a stay of three

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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

days, started for Wiseonsin. After reaching that state he worked on a canal at Appleton, Outagamie county, for a year and a half. He then came down to St. Louis, where he only re- mained two weeks, and then removed to Greene county, Ill., where he worked for Charles Robley for some two years. He then took a trip to Wisconsin, on a visit to his uncle, who lived near Apple- ton. He remained there nearly a year, coming back to Greene county in Aug., and on arriving here had not a single cent in his pocket. He again went to work for Charles Robley, where he con- tinned a little over a year, and was then married, Nov. 9, 1859, to Silvina Osborn, a native of Sangamon county, and a daughter of Moses and Judith Osborn. Mr. and Mrs. Lembke have no children, but are rearing two, a brother and sister, who with them find a comfortable home. Mr. Lembke and his wife started out in this county with little or no eapital, but so well have they managed and so well directed have been their efforts, that their possessions now comprise 382 acres of good land, all in one body, in Bluffdale township. Mr. Lembke's parents both died in the old country. Mrs. Lembke's parents died at the home of their daughter, the wife of our subjeet.

George W. Bechdoldt was born in Calhoun county, Ill., on the 29th of Oet., 1851, and is a son of Henry and Elizabeth (Meyers) Beehdoldt, natives of Germany. His father was born on the 3d of Nov., 1818, on the banks of the river Rhine, and came to America; landing in Calhoun county, in 1832. His mother was born on the 24th of Nov., 1819, on the banks of the river

Main. His mother took passage on a boat sailing for America, on the 1st day of Jan., 1846, but on account of wind and storm the voyage was extended so "that it took 83 days to cross the ocean, seeing nothing all this time but the blue sky and the stormy sea. They landed at the port of New Orleans, on the Ist of March, and had to remain there about a week, as the river was blockaded with ice. They then sailed up the river, ar- riving in Calhoun county on the 7th of April, having been 116 days in making the entire journey. In July, 1846, Henry was married to Elizabeth Meyers, and they were the parents of six children, of which our subject was the third. Geo. W., was married on the 25th day of Dec., 1879, to Flora Wardinski, a daughter of John and Mary Wardinski, natives of Poland. Her father was killed at Columbiana, about three miles from the bluff, by the bushwhackers, during war times. Her mother is now living with Mr. Bechdoldt. Three child- ren have been born to them-one died in infancy; Mary Elizabeth, deceased; George W., was born Oct. 21, 1882. Mr. Bechdoldt has 167 acres of land on Sec. 28, T. 10, R. 13, on which he spends most of his time, knowing that industry and economy are the surest means of success. He has been connected with the schools of his district, as director, and has held the office of road super- visor.

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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 99

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