History of Greene county, Illinois: its past and present, Part 58

Author: Clapp, Clement L., 1852- [from old catalog] comp
Publication date: 1879
Publisher: Chicago, Donnelley, Gassette & Loyd
Number of Pages: 790

USA > Illinois > Greene County > History of Greene county, Illinois: its past and present > Part 58

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older inhabitants of Greene County. Pass- ing by the early years of Mr. Eldred, spent upon the home farm in Illinois, when the mining excitement transpired, being of an exceedingly adventurous disposition, while yet a youth, he determined to seek his fortune on the golden shores of the Pacific coast. Proceeding to New Orleans, the youthful explorer there shipped on board a steamer, which was subsequently wrecked off the coast of Panama. After many vexatious delays the youth reached Cali- fornia, where he turned his attention to mining. Remaining two years he returned to Greene County, where he remained until 1860, following farming, when his restless disposition again took him to Cali- fornia, this time the trip being made by wagon. Reaching the State in due time he turned his attention to various occupations. Remaining five years, he again set his face toward his old home in Illinois, set- tling down to the quiet life of a farmer, in Greene County. He married, in 1866, Miss Carrie Taylor, a daughter of George Taylor. by whom he has one child : Charles H. Mr. Eldred is the owner of 117 acres of valuble land, and no more live or ener- getic man dwells within the borders of Greene County

ELDRED ELON, deceased, who took a leading position among the wealthy farmers of Greene County, was born in Connecticut, in 1802. In an early day his parents moved to Herkimer County, New York, where Elon grew to manhood. About the year 1820 glowing accounts of the West reached his ears, and accordingly thither he directed his footsteps. Pleased at the prospect, he returned again to the East, where he united his fortunes to Miss Jane Stuart, and shortly thereafter he re- turned to Illinois, and settled at Edwards- ville, Madison County, and shortly after located in Greene County, on the farm now owned by Frank M. Bridges, representa- tive. When the family became fairly located in Greene County, a cabin com- posed of hewn logs was erected; it was some eighteen feet square; this was the main structure. In after years other build- ings composed of logs but of smaller di- mensions, were erected for the accommo- dation of hands, Mr. E. becoming largely

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engaged in the manufacture of castor oil. This cabin consisted of one room, for all intents and purposes ; still, overhead was a garret, where the narrator of this sketch, Charles H. Eldred, when the shade of night drew around, climbed to his bunk beneath the rafters, ofttimes lying awake listening to the melodious concerts of nu- merous packs of wolves. After a long life of usefulness, while Elon Eldred, who had journeyed to a farm owned by him in Mont- gomery County, was on his return trip and near Girard, in Macoupin County, he was taken suddenly ill, and expired very sud- denly. There thus passed away a man who was as remarkable in his sphere of life as Washington or Lincoln were in theirs. The owner of over 5000 acres in the State of Illinois, he had reaped the reward of the diligent. Of this marriage six children were born : William, deceased ; Louisa, who married L. F. Wheeler, present mayor of Carrollton ; Lucius, who married Miss Ellen Cavenaugh, of Jacksonville ; Charles H., who married Adela Avery, in 1860, by whom he had one child, Dudley. Mrs. Charles Eldred died in 1864. Julia, who married Robert Pierson, the well known banker of Carrollton ; and Jane who resides with her brother Charles H. in his elegant mansion east of Carrollton. It will be well to note the fact, in connection with this history, that Mrs. Elon Eldred was among the pioneer school teachers of Greene County, who merited the respect of her pupils, many of whom bear a promi- nent part in the annals of the State and county, among whom we mention David Pierson, Esq.

ELDRED ELON A. farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 20, P.O. Carrollton

Eldred John L. farmer, Sec. 26, P.O. Carroll- ton

ELDRED RUTH D. MRS. Sec. 20, P.O. Carrollton

ELDRED WILLIAM, deceased, many years ago was one of the most prom- inent farmers within the bounds of Greene County. He was born in Litchfield County, Connecticut, Nov. 18, 1791. He was in his fifteenth year when he accom- panied his parents to New York State where many years of his life were spent. While here a resident, a farmer by occupa-

tion, he formed the acquaintance of and married Miss Ruth Brace, May 2d, 1816, a daughter of Jeduthun Brace, who is well remembered by the older residents of Greene County. During the year 1820, when but a few hardy spirits had made their way to the fertile prairies of the boundless west, Mr. E., then in the flush of early manhood, and possessed of energy and ambition far above the average, gath- ered together his personal property and accompanied by his family and relatives, set out in a covered wagon across the na- tive prairie grass, where a few short years before the red man of the forest, made famous by Cooper, had woed his dusky mate or joined in the exciting sport of bringing to bay the American bison or buffalo. Leaving the wagon they floated down the Ohio River in a flatboat. The trip of the emigrants occupied some weeks. On the way cattle were purchased among the small colony. A fanning mill owned by Jehoshaphat Eldred, a novelty in its way, on its introduction among the first pioneers of Greene County, created con- siderable sensation. Neighbors, in place of having their wheat threshed by means of horses tramping over it in their usual primitive fashion, brought it to this wonder- ful mill, which met with unusual commen- dation and admiration. The cabin entered by William Eldred was of the usual order with the single exception that it consisted of hewed logs. Here the family lived for a period of twelve years, witnessing the growth of Carrollton from a trading point, consisting of one store under the supervision of John Skidmore, who came from the east. This place became quite a town during the term of years that are above mentioned. Those pioneer days were fraught with no ordinary interest. The husband frequently went many miles to a horse mill to lay in a supply of provisions for his large family. On one occasion, having raised an abundant crop of wheat, the grain being unusually full, it it was ground for family consumption. Through some malarial influence, perhaps, it served as a strong emetic, none of the family being able to partake of it ; nor could stock be induced to touch it. This remarkable phenomenon has never been

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TOWN 10, NORTH RANGE 12, WEST.

explained satisfactorily to old residents, who well remember the circumstance. William Eldred was far above the aver- age in ability, and became a wealthy farmer mainly through well-directed efforts. He passed to the world of spirits on the 28th of July, 1855, and was laid at rest in the Carrollton cemetery, a worthy monument marking the spot. Mrs. Eldred, from whom this sketch is obtained, is now upwards of eighty years of age, a true type of the western woman who dared the dangers incident to a western life. The homestead property comprises many hun- dred acres. Of the marriage twelve chil- dren were born, eight of whom are living : Jeduthun, Leonard E., Elon A., Elmina A., Fidelia A., Ruthalia A., Amelia S., H. Loomis. Mr. Eldred was one of the jurors in the first trial of a criminal nature in Carrollton. Was buried by Masonic orders

ELLISON TIMOTHY, farmer, Sec.

4, P. O. Carrollton. Mr. E. was born in Yorkshire, England, May 17, 1818 ; came from England to America in 1840 ; set- tled in Greene County shortly after his arrival, near Carrollton ; owns 280 acres of land. Married Mary Dodgson, a daughter of William Dodgson, by whom he has three children : William, Helen and John. An active church member ; a mem- ber of the Methodist Church for a period of thirty-six years

ERISMAN CHRISTOPHER,

farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 16, P.O. Car- rollton. The subject of this sketch was born in Adams County, Pennsylvania, in 1828. In his tenth year his parents moved to Ohio, where he grew to manhood, fol- lowing agricultural pursuits. When the war came on he enlisted in the 14th Illinois Infantry for three years service, or during the war. Proceeding to the front he was engaged in the battles of Pittsburg Land- ing, Corinth, Vicksburgh, Champion Hill, Little Hatchie, etc., etc. When his term of service expired he re-enlisted, thereby becoming one of the veterans of the 14th Illinois. Previous to the war, in 1852, he was united in marriage to Miss Irene El- more, a daughter of Robert Elmore. For some years Mr. E. was a resident of Menard County, Illinois. During the Autumn of

1865 he moved to Greene, settled at Car- rollton, secured employment in the woolen mill owned by Pierson & Hartley, and six years ago entered the employ of David Wright. Of the marriage mentioned above six children were born, five are living : Mina J., Richard Y., John D., Catherine L. deceased, Robert A. and Christopher H.

F AIR RICHARD, renter, Sec. 8, P.O. Carrollton

Fondern Cass, renter, Sec. 24. P.O. Carroll- ton

Fullerton Mrs. A. Sec 30, P. O. Carrollton

G ADWOOD ANDREW, farm hand, Sec. 4. P.O. Carrollton

Gadwood John, farm hand, Sec. 4, P.O. Car- rollton

Gleason Thomas, farm hand, Sec. 10, P.O, Carrollton

Graham George T. renter, Sec. 8, P.O. Car- rollton

GRAVES JAMES M. painter, Sec. 4. P.O. Carrollton. Mr. Graves was born in Missouri, on the 24th of February, 1844. Here many years of his life were spent, where he was apprenticed to the trade of a painter at the early age of fourteen. When the war came on he enlisted in Com- pany B, Provisional Regiment, remain- ing three years in the service of Uncle Sam. He followed his vocation of painter in Missouri until 1868, when he moved to Il- linois, locating at Carrollton, Greene County. Here he formed the acquaint- ance of and married Miss Mary E. Thorp, a daughter of William Thorp, of Ohio. Of this marriage two children were born : William P. and Rufus M. Since his res- idence here Mr. Graves has followed the occupation of painting, and is well and favorably known. See business card else- where

GREAVES WILLIAM O. farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 27, P. O. Carrollton. Although not among the older residents of Greene County, Mr. Greaves is worthy of more than a passing notice. Ile was born in Yorkshire, England, in 1808. Growing to manhood in England, he became a butcher, followed this occupation many years, opening a shop and becoming quite successful. On the 9th day of January,

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GREENE COUNTY DIRECTORY.

1832, he was united in marriage to Miss Harriet Emmerson, by whom he had four children : Eliza, born June 6, 1843, died August 24, 1851 ; Emma, born October IS, 1835; Mary J., born January 5, 1847, and William H., born February 9, 1853, and died November 21, 1867. In 1841 Mr. Greaves landed in America, and settled in Greene, a man of no ordinary industry. In Carrollton and vicinity he followed the calling of butcher for a number of years. Mr. Greaves is now the owner of 160 acres of valuable land near Carrollton. Further notice will be given in another department of this work

Greene James, renter, Sec. 21, P.O. Carroll- ton

H AMILTON MRS. farm hand, Sec. 21, P.O. Carrollton

HARDCASTLE JOHN C. farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 26, P.O. Carrollton. The above named gentleman is a native of Greene County, born in 1831, in the city of Carrollton, the oldest son of William C. and Lavina Hardcastle, maiden name Crane. Raised a farmer's boy he developed a hardy energy that counted in after years. Receiving a liberal education, in maturer years he became an extensive buyer and shipper of cattle, becoming more than ordi- narily successful. March 4 he was united in marriage to Miss M. E. Kile, by whom he had one child, Nellie. Mr. Hardcastle is the owner of 200 acres of valuable land in this township and a successful farmer

Higgins George, farm hand, Sec. 19, P.O. Carrollton

Hobson John T. renter, P.O. Carrllton

HOBSON PETER, farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 29, P.O. Carrollton. Mr. Hob- son is a descendant of the foremost families of England, and one of the oldest settlers within the borders of Greene County. He was born in Cumberland County, England, on the 29th day of December, 1804. He was in his eighteenth year when his pa- rents, whose names are elsewhere recorded, settled in Greene County, on land previously purchased from the United States govern- ment. On the homestead property young Hobson worked from the time his head reached the plow handles. His pioneer days, spent in the usual fashion, were fraught

with an interest of no ordinary nature; attending quietly to the duties of a farm, uncultivated with the exception of a small tract. A few short years before the red men had been as the leaves of the forest, but were compelled to go still farther west- ward, as the encroachments of the white man entered the domain where they had hunted from their earliest childhood. Mr. Hobson from a youth, was possessed of a wonderful energy, working with unflagging zeal. The old adage that in eternal vigi- lance is the secret of success, has proven a true one in this case. After many years of economy and self-denial he is to-day a wealthy farmer, owning 534 acres of land in Montgomery and Greene Counties. At the age of forty-five, in 1848, he was united in marriage to Mary Chron, by whom he had seven children, two of whom died in early infancy ; five are living : Thomas, Robert, George, Charles and William. But a short time ago Mr. Hobson, whose wonderful vitality rendered him a hard worker, was unfortunately paralyzed, a source of regret to his many friends, who know him for his personal integrity and kindness of heart.

Hobson Peter J. farmer, Sec. 29, P.O. Carroll- ton

HOBSON THOMAS, farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 29, P.O. Carrollton. One of the most energetic and wealthy citizens of Greene County is Thomas Hobson, a native of Cumberland County, England. In 1809, in his thirteenth year his parents, James and Elizabeth Hobson, whose maiden name was Goldsmith, a descendant of one of the best families of England, crossed the Atlantic. During the Autumn of 1822, land having been previously purchased, the little party of emigrants settled down to farm life in Greene County. On their ar- rival the family, consisting of the husband, wife and six children : Peter, John, Thomas, Robert, Mary and Jane; the homestead comprised 320 acres, was unbroken save three acres, on which was erected a small cabin comprised of logs ; the neighbors of those days were few, but generous to a fault, and all were on an equal footing as regards finances or nearly so. During the first winter the family endured many hard- ships; of wheat they had none and conse-

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TOWN 10, NORTH RANGE 12, WEST.

quently no flour, during the first cold winter mainly subsisting on corn bread or what was more familiarly known as corn dodgers. Years afterwards St. Louis became the trading point for supplies. In 1839 James Hobson departed to a home not made with hands. A true type of the hardy Briton, of an extremely energetic disposition, he accumulated wealth for the period of time in which he lived, erecting during the days of his earlier manhood the substantial brick building where the subject of this sketch now resides. Three years after the death of this pioneer the wife and mother, a most estimable lady, also passed away ; Thomas was then in his thirty-third year, married, having united his fortunes to Catherine Choran, by whom he had two children, now living, James and John. Mrs. Hobson died March 6, 1854, and was laid at rest in the Mount Pleasant cemetery, a worthy monument marking the spot. March II, 1858, Mr. Hobson was married to Miss Elizabeth Ann Tribble, by whom he had two children, not living, whose names were Elizabeth G. and Mary O. The career of Mr. Hobson on our Illinois prairies has been fraught with no ordinany interest. He is to-day a representative of his class and the owner of nearly 1200 acres of land ; thus through great industry the pioneer boy who had in his early days scarcely clothing or shoes has reaped the reward of the diligent

HOLBERT AMOS, renter, Sec. 7, P.O. Carrollton. The above named gentle- man was born in Greene County, January 12, 1842, where from boyhood to manhood he has followed agricultural pursuits. At the present writing a resident of township 10, range 12. John W. Holbert, the head of the family, died in 1872. Mrs. Holbert is still living, residing with the subject of this sketch. There were nine children born of this marriage

Huggins Robert, renter, Sec. 26, P.O. Car- rollton

Hunt James, farmer, Sec. 20, P.O. Carrollton Hunt Theodore, farmer, Sec. 24, P.O. Carroll- ton

Hutchins Horace, renter, Sec. 27, P.O. Car- rollton

JACOBS JOHN, renter, Sec. 24, P.O. Car- rollton

KAHALER PATRICK, renter, Sec. 3, P.O. Carrollton

KASER JOHN, farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 19, P.O. Carrollton. The above named gentleman, although not ranking as an early settler, takes a leading position as an agri- culturist; is a native of Switzerland; he was born in the year 1819. When quite young he became apprenticed to the trade of ribbon making, a trade not common here; in Switzerland many of the inhabitants were engaged in its manufacture ; Mr. Kaser entered upon this important branch of manufacturing at fifteen ; continuing in this employment until arriving at his twenty- fifth year, when he concluded to cast his fortunes in America. With all his years of hard labor, comparatively speaking, he was penniless on arrival here. Landing in the City of New Orleans on the 7th of May ; on the 15th of the same month the steamer on board which he was a passenger landed in the City of St. Louis. While here he learned that a colonization scheme, pro- jected in his native land, for the foundation of homes in America, had fallen through. As the customs of Switzerland differ ma- terially from ours it was supposed by many of the inhabitants that 160 acres of our Illinois prairie could comfortably support at least 500 persons. Many of those who had built this airy castle realized the im- possibility of the scheme on their arrival here, as fever and ague was abundant, and quinine comparatively unknown. From St. Louis Mr. Kaser made his way to Greene County, where he first entered the employ of Luman Curtius ; for him he worked fourteen years ; during this time, in 1849, he was united in marriage to Miss Lucy Curtius, a sister of his employer. Shortly after his marriage Mr. Kaser purchased a tract of land comprising 200 acres in T. 10 R. II ; here he remained five years, when he dis- posed of his property and moved to Car- rollton. In 1857 he purchased 200 acres where he now lives, moving from Carroll- ton to his farm in 1861. Since this period he has accumulated a large landed property, owning 480 acres. In 1875 Mrs. Kaser was laid at rest in the beautiful cemetery at Carrollton, a handsome monument marking the spot. In 1876 Mr. K. was united in marriage to Miss Caroline Pren-

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GREENE COUNTY DIRECTORY.

tice, a daughter of Rev. Amos Prentice. For the past six years Mr. Kaser has filled the office of Township Trustee. One specialty that Mr. Kaser has in connection with farming is worthy of note and perhaps unparalleled in Greene Co, This year he offers for sale over three hundred bushels of clover seed of a very superior quality. When the Carrollton Bank was organized in 1877, his personal integrity was recog- nized and accordingly he became a stock holder and the vice-president of one of the soundest banking institutions in the West. In 1867 Mr. K., accompanied by his wife made a tour of Europe, visiting the City of London, Paris Exhibition, and enjoying the magnificent scenery of his native place. Mrs. Kaser is a distant relative of George D. Prentice who was for many years editor of the Louisville Journal

Kelley Thos. A. renter, Sec. 3, P.O. Carrollton

L ACHMUND HENRY, renter, Sec. 27, P.O. Carrollton

Lemas John, renter, P.O. Carrollton Lemas T. renter, P.O. Carrollton

Linker Charles, renter, Sec. 26, P.O. Carroll- ton

M APPIS WM. renter, Sec. 27, P.O. Car- rollton

MCADAMS SAMUEL, farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 6, P.O. Carrollton. Mr. McAdams was born near the town of Troy, Madison Co., on the 9th of January, 1833, the fourth child of a family of ten children; during his fourth year his parents, William J. and Rebecca Ann McAdams, moved to Greene Co., locating on the farm now owned by Samuel, from whom this sketch is obtained. As our space is somewhat limited and confined principally to the nar- rator, the statement is given that the head of the family, after many years of useful- ness, found a last resting place here ; his wife, whose life has been prolonged through a long series of years, is a resident of town- ship 10, range 12 - a living witness, so to speak, of the stirring scenes transpiring in western life on the prairies of Greene Co. or among the timber. Young Samuel fol- lowed the plow or swung the ax for many a year during the early settlement of Greene; at twenty-five, in the year 1857, he was

united in marriage to Miss Sarah L. Kil- patrick, who departed this life six years later; three children were born : James B., Millie, and Sarah, deceased. In 1865, Mr. M. united his fortunes to Miss Barbara Duggan; of this marriage seven children were born, six of whom are living: Noah, Hattie, Jennette, William, deceased, Char- ley, Isaac T., and Ida. Mr. McAdams is the owner of over 200 acres of valuable land in this township. Further notice is given elsewhere in the general history of this work. Holds office of supervisor

McCabe Patrick, farmhand, Sec. 36, P.O. Car- rollton

McDonough James, farmer, Sec. 26, P.O. Car- rollton

McMahon Chas. farmhand, Sec. 26, P.O. Car- rollton

McNerney Thos. renter, Sec. 3, P.O. Car- rollton

McPheron Jas. A. nursery, Sec. 26, P.O. Car- rollton

MORFOOT JOHN F. farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 3, P.O. Carrollton. The subject of this sketch is not only among the earlier settlers of Greene Co., but takes rank as one of its wealthier residents; a native of England ; he was born in 1818 ; two years later his parents, John and Eliza- beth, crossed the Atlantic for America, remaining during the Winter at East. St. Louis; the following year locating in Greene Co., on the farm now owned by the subject of this sketch ; it was during the year 1832 that the head of this exceedingly prosperous family was laid at rest in Greene Co .; his wife, who survived him many years, died in 1874, a notable type of the pioneer woman who worked with unremitting energy toward the general prosperity of the family. John, who heads this sketch, had but little on attaining his majority ; had but scanty capital, but he set resolutely to work to acquire wealth and position; how well he has succeeded in life is well known to his many friends in this com- munity ; in connection with other near relatives he is the owner of a vast tract of land and a handsome farm residence, a monument as it were to the industrious habits of this prominent family

Morrison James, farm hand, Sec. 29, P.O. Carrollton

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TOWN 10, NORTH RANGE 12, WEST.

Mundall James, renter, Sec. 32, P.O. Carroll- ton

Myers Christopher, farm hand, Sec. 29, P.O. Carrollton

TTO CHARLES, farm hand, P.O. Car- rollton

OWENS B. W. farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 15, P.O. Carrollton; the above named gentleman was born in the State of Ten- nessee, January 21, 1844; left an orphan at the early age of six years, adopted by his grandfather, who came west in 1854, set- tling in Greene County, where the youth grew to mature years. In 1867 he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Cavan- augh, a daughter of Dr. T. H. Cavanaugh, a prominent physician of this State, and father of T. H. Cavanaugh. Secretary of the State of Kansas; by this lady he had six children, four of whom are living : Charles, Nettie, Benjamin, and William

PEARCE OSCAR, renter, Sec. 31, P.O. Carrollton

Perrine Mrs. Lettie, Sec. 35, P.O. Carrollton Pilkington Jas. H. renter, Sec. 4, P.O. Car- rollton

Pollard Isaac, renter, Sec. 6, P.O. Carrollton Porterfield Robert, farm hand, Sec. 6, P.O. Carrollton

R AINES W. A. farmer, Sec. 8, P.O. Car- rollton

Ranes Mary Mrs. Sec. 8, P.O. Carrollton

Raner John, renter, Sec. 8, P.O. Carrollton

Richardson Jas. L. farm hand, P.O. Carrollton Robinson Michael, farm hand, Sec. Io, P.O. Carrollton

Roth Lawrence, farm hand, Sec. 29, P.O. Carrollton

Ruff John, renter, Sec. 4, P.O. Carrollton

SCHAFER PERRY, farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 23, P.O. Carrollton

Schafer Rosswell, farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 23, P.O. Carrollton

Schnelt Henry, farmer, Sec. 30, P.O. Carroll- ton

Schnelt John, farmer, Sec. 30, P.O. Carroll- ton

Schnelt Lucas, farmer, Sec. 30, P.O. Carroll- ton

Scott George, farm hand, Sec 19, P.O. Carroll- ton

Sheppers Herman, farm hand, Sec, 33, P.O. Carrollton

Simpson Donald, renter, Sec. 17, P.O. Car- rollton

Sleight William C. farmer, Sec. 26, P.O. Car- rollton

Sloan Samuel, renter, Sec. 24, P.O. Carroll- ton

Smith C. H. renter, Sec. 8, P.O. Carrollton

Sorell Alfred, farm hand, Sec. 30, P.O. Car- rollton

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History of Greene county, Illinois: its past and present, Part 58

Author: Clapp, Clement L., 1852- [from old catalog] comp Publication date: 1879 Publisher: Chicago, Donnelley, Gassette & Loyd Number of Pages: 790

Author: Clapp, Clement L., 1852- [from old catalog] comp
Publication date: 1879
Publisher: Chicago, Donnelley, Gassette & Loyd
Number of Pages: 790