History of Greene county, Illinois: its past and present, Part 67

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 67

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LOWRY WILLIAM T., the only manufacturer of brick in the town of Rood- house. He became a permanent resident in 1877. Purchasing valuable land in the corporation of Roodhouse two presses or germs were soon in running operation and competition began with the surrounding country. Through large experience among the leading brickmakers of the country Mr. L. had acquired a skill as a maker of brick that soon became appreciated by the public at large. He manufactures some 5,000 brick per day, of a very superior quality, the supply not being equal to the demand, the new and commodious public school, re- quiring a large number, also Peter Dun- bar's and many others. At Jacksonville, Morgan County Mr. L. manufactured the brick for the poor house and many other buildings of note. He was born in Mount Vernon, Illinois, Dec. II, IS33 : appren- ticed to trade in 1843 ; married in Jackson- ville Lorena Pankey, of Illinois; there are three children : Mary E., Minnesota and Virginia. Mr. Lowry purchased some 200 acres of valuable land in Greene County in 1865

M ARKET V. The above named

gentleman, although established in business at Roodhouse but a short time has already secured a large share of public patronage, his prices low as the lowest, and work always first class. When in town don't forget to call ; get your measure taken and get fits, good fits, and a perfect fit. Mr. Market was born in Switzerland in 1840; in his seventeenth year he emigrated to America ; from New York City he went to Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Cinncinati and St. Louis ; in the latter city was in business some fourteen years as a boot and shoe manufacturer; there married Miss Victoria X

Stokker, a native of Germany. Three chil- dren blessed this union : Carroll, Edward and Victoria

Martin Joseph, laborer, Roodhouse

McCabe Charles, fireman C. & A. R.R. Rood- house

McClure Lewis, assistant yard master, Rood- house

McCoullogh Nathaniel, school teacher, Rood- house

McCune Thomas, physician and surgeon, Roodhouse

McEUEN DR. T., a rising physician of Greene County, was born in Missouri, Oct. 30, 1832. Oliver McEuen, the father, was born in Pittsburgh, Pe. He was mar- ried to Miss Jane Hayes; by this lady he had twelve children ; Thomas, the seventh child, whose footsteps we now follow, be- came liberally educated, and when quite a youth turned his attention to the study of medicine, as a student under his father and likewise Dr. Thomas Lewis of Union, Mo. He graduated from St. Louis Medical Col- lege. Taking up his residence in Pike County at Milton, he began practice as a physician. He had been a hard working student and in consequence his professional skill was recognised and he secured a large practice. In Milton he married Miss Phoebe Baker ; has two children : Olive L. and Mattie B. Mrs. McEuen died in 1867. In White Hall Dr. McEuen married Mrs. R. N. Hemming, relict of Henry Hemming. In Roodhouse Dr. McEuen has a large and lucrative practice, due to his untiring efforts and professional skill. Was post surgeon during the war

McGee Luther, laborer, Roodhouse

McKiver Charles, attorney, Roodhouse

McIver W. T. publisher of the Roodhouse Review

McSweeney M. supervisor C. & A. R.R. Roodhouse

McWithy -, laborer, Roodhouse Merricks William, laborer, Roodhouse

METROPOLITAN HOTEL, Wm.

Scott, proprietor, Roodhouse Mitchell Geo. laborer, Roodhouse

MOLLOY C., saloon, East Railroad Street, Roodhouse. Mr. Molloy is a na- tive of Kings County, Ireland ; born in the year IS34 ; his father was a farmer in good circumstances and in the little Green isle

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by the seashore young Molloy spent a number of years, working on the old home- stead. In his eighteenth year he embarked on board a sailing vessel bound for America; landing in New York City, he then made his way to New Jersey, thence to Kentucky. During the year 1870 Mr. Molloy came to Roodhouse ; it was then a very small hamlet. His enterprise and forethought led him to build the first dwelling house in the town limits. As one of the earliest residents of Roodhouse due notice will be given of Mr. Molloy in the general history of this volume. In 1861 he was united in marriage to Miss J. Maguire, by whom he had three children : Charles F., now attend- ing college, M. J. and Mary L.

Moony Robert, wagon maker, Roodhouse Moore D. B. drugs and medicines, Roodhouse Morgan Mrs. Roodhouse

Morrow William, drayman, Roodhouse

RR ANDERSON Reverend, Rood- house

Overby James, barber, Roodhouse

PATTERSON J. L., attorney and counselor at law. The subject of this sketch is the second child of Lemuel J. and Anna E. Patterson, who deserve more than a passing notice. Settling in this county as early as 1844 ; the head of the family was born in St. Louis County, Missouri, he there married the lady referred to above. He became in after years a prominent man in this county. Of seven children born of this marriage all are residents of Greene County, of whom due notice will be given. J. L. was born August 29, 1846, in St. Louis County, Missouri. In early child- hood his parents moved to Greene County, where he became liberally educated, apply- ing himself vigorously to his studies and became a school teacher. In his eighteenth year he became a law student, studying under judges of Carrollton. Remaining five years, he became admitted to the bar in 1870. Previous to this he married Miss Mary Willmington, a daughter of Edwin Willmington, a native of England. Mr. Patterson became a successful lawyer, and an able one. A life-long resident of Greene County, he has held many important posi- tions ; deputy assessor nine years. In 1876

was chairman Democratic Congressional Convention. For the past year a resident of the live town of Roodhouse, where he receives, due his ability, a large share of public patronage there. Two children : Buell and Harry

Patterson. Niel, Roodhouse

Peel David, carpenter, Roodhouse Pennell William, teamster, Roodhouse

PERLEY HENRY P. engineer C. & A. R. R. for the past eleven years ; was born at Waterville, Maine, in 1841 ; at four- teen he entered the employ of the Andros- coggin and Kennebec R. W. Co., afterward known as the Maine Central, remaining there through the years '59, '60 and '61 ; during the Spring of 1861 he enlisted in Company G, 3d Maine Infantry, under the command of Col. O. O. Howard; a partici- pant in the famous battle of Bull Run ; he served three months and received an honorable discharge from the service ; he returned to Maine, where he again entered the employ of the Maine Central as a locomotive fireman on the Kennebec Road and became a very skillful engineer. In 1867 Mr. Perley came west and entered the employ of the St. Louis, Jacksonville & Chicago Railroad, afterward leased to the C. & A. R. R. On this road Mr. Per- ley was freight engineer one year. In 1868 he took uphis residence at Mason City, Ma- son Co., Ill .; in 1871 moved to Jacksonville, where he run passenger engine No. 42 ; in 1872 he was running a passenger between Alton and Jacksonville ; moving to Rood- house, then just beginning to come into prominence, Mr. Perley shortly after built a substantial dwelling. He is well known for his generosity and is a very superior mechanic. April 24, 1863, he was united in marriage to Ann E. Morrill, of Maine, There are five children : John M., George P., Henry W., Anna R. and Francis C. As a railroad engineer Mr. Perley has been the actor of many stirring scenes, although owing to his skill as an engineer but very slight accidents have occurred on his route.

Mr. Perley owns 80 acres of land in Kansas Pinkerton W. H. engineer, Roodhouse Pruett William, teamster, Roodhouse

R ADCLIFF JOHN, laborer, Roodhouse Rafferty Jas. retired farmer, Roodhouse

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Randall -, carpenter, Roodhouse Redmond John, Roodhouse Reid Samuel D. clerk, Roodhouse Richardson William, butcher, Roodhouse Rinnaker Fred, agent for nursery, Roodhouse Roodhouse Bank, E. M. Husted, President ; T. L. Smith, Cashier

ROODHOUSE JOHN, farmer, stock raiser, and founder of the live, go-ahead town of Roodhouse, was born in Yorkshire, England, February 1825 ; he was the sec- ond child of a family of five children, born of a second marriage. It was during the earlier years of his childhood that his parents embarked on board a sailing ves- sel for the great Eldorada of the world- America. Landing in the city of New York the family made their way princi- pally by way of the Erie Canal to St. Louis; from the latter city proceeding to Greene County shortly before the deep snow set in. During the early years of settlement, when the nearest neighbors were many miles away, horse mills the fashion and railroads unknown in the State, and but few in the East, the pioneers found the road to prosperity rather a rough «one. However, there came an era of pros- perity to all of the family when Illinois be- came one of the most prosperous States in this great congress of States, peopled by the sturdy yeomanry from the south, the east, and by a people across the waters who had looked upon America with open- eyed wonder at the rapid strides of the en- terprising inhabitants. Owing to our limited space, and to the prominence of him whose name heads this sketch, we here append a short biography of his youth, spent among pioneer associates, many of whom are now prominent in the affairs of the State and County. Developing more than ordinary energy and business capacity, he made his way rapidly upward. At twenty-five he united his fortunes to Miss Sarah E. Baker, a daughter of Cuthbert Baker. With but small capital he became enabled to purchase 240 acres in Tazewell County, taking up his residence there for years. He then moved to Greene Co., where he has since resided. On this property is now laid out the flourishing town of Rood- house, where years prior John Roodhouse had turned many a furrow. From him we

glean the following in reference to the Louisiana Branch. We are all perfectly aware of the network of railroads that traverse the State of Illinois. Among the more important we find the C. & A. R. R. rapidly taking a leading place. For many years branches from the main line have been found necessary to be laid to accom- modate the increased passenger traffic, and for the transportation of freight. In our municipal history will be found a fuller de- scription of the branch road that, passing through Roodhouse and taking its way to St. Louis, is given here. To the citizens of White Hall it is generally known that a proposition for the right of way of the road and $5,000 in money was made and not being readily responded to was re- ferred to the citizens of Roodhouse, among whom were John Roodhouse, E. M. Husted, George Thompson, S. L. Simmons, John F. Rawlings, William Cobb and others, and through their liberality and enterprise the road was secured. No sooner had the road got fairly under way than the little town began to thrive. Stores were erected and the place soon became peopled by live western men who have made it one of the busiest towns on the C. & A. R. R. It will compare favorably with any town of similar size in the State. Mr. Roodhouse is a large property owner and a whole- souled gentleman. Of his marriage seven children were born : John L., Edwin P., Laura L., Mary M., Eveline J., Franklin S. and William

Roodhouse Review, W. T. McIver, publisher Ross Henry, laborer, Roodhouse

Rouan J. laborer, Roodhouse

Rushwort Benjamin, car-repairer C. & A. R. R. Roodhouse

RUYLE ROBERT N. blacksmith and wagonmaker, Morris street, Rood- house ; general blacksmithing, repairing, jobbing horseshoeing a specialty. Mr. Ruyle was born in Greene County, Illi- nois, in 1847. His father, Alfred Ruyle, now a resident of Kansas ; was born in Nash- ville, Tennessee, in 1801 ; he there mar- ried Sarah Ann Bleckston ; the youthful couple became residents of Greene County in an early day. Robert, who heads this sketch, was the youngest of a family of ten children. Near Athensville, this county,

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GREENE COUNTY DIRECTORY.

Robert passed his youthful days, and was apprenticed to the trade of a black- smith and wagon maker, and became a skillful workman, In 1861 he entered the army, enlisting in Company C, Fifth Reg- iment, of Missouri Volunteers; he was then but fifteen years of age; remaining eighteen months he was engaged in many severe skirmishes. Alfred Ruyle was a Captain during the rebellion, and what is somewhat remarkable seven of his boys were also in the service. Robert returned to Greene County March 19, 1867. He was united in marriage to Sarah A. Rance ; one child, Julia, was born in 1872

RUYLE & BROWN, blacksmiths

SALTAR T. R. agent and yard-master C. & A. R. R. Roodhouse

Sargeant Henry, shoemaker, Roodhouse Savage Mrs. Roodhouse Savage Carl, clerk, Roodhouse

Sawyer E. H. groceries and hardware, Rood- house

Sawyer George N. postmaster and insurance agent, Roodhouse

SAWYER JAMES A. livery, Jack- son street, Roodhouse, first street west of new Kirkland Hotel. Mr. S. was born in Steuben County, New York, in 1845. In his fifteenth year he accompanied his parents to Illinois, locating in Madison County. During the Spring of 1870 Mr. Sawyer came to Roodhouse, where he first worked for John Roodhouse as a farm hand. Mr. R. was then the proprietor of the livery that Mr. Sawyer now owns. In 1873 the purchase was effected. Since this date Mr. Sawyer has bought largely, both of horses and the latest style of vehicles, which com- mercial travellers will do well to note. Special attention given to transient stock. Passengers conveyed to all parts of the county day or night. Mr. S. married Miss Laura Strate, of Roodhouse ; children, Hattie, deceased, and Edna

SCOTT WILLIAM, proprietor Metro- politan Hotel, Roodhouse, Ill. The above named gentleman was born in Highland County, Ohio, in 1824. When three years of age his father died ; at nine his mother moved to Shelby County, Indiana, remain- ing but five years, and at the expiration of which time returned to Ohio. William,

who heads this sketch, was the youngest of this family. Mrs. Scott was a very indus- trious woman, who was left in moderate circumstances ; on the death of her hus- band she struggled hard for herself and boy, who, when old enough, attended to the duties of the small farm. In his twenty-second year he was united in mar- riage to Miss Mahala Good, a daughter of Joseph and Mary Good, natives of Vir- ginia and Pennsylvania. For some years after his marriage Mr. Scott followed farm- ing. When the war broke out he entered the 100 day service, and was elected First Lieutenant of the company ; honorably discharged at the expiration of ten days, as the company was organized as a relief corps for Cincinnati. Proceeding to Den- nison, near Cincinnati, he became a sutler; from this point he came west and settled in Milton, Pike County, and became a stock buyer and grocer. In 1875 he came to Roodhouse, and renting the large estab- lishment owned by Humphrey Armstrong opened the first class hotel above men- tioned. Mr. S. has nine children : Sarah,. Daniel, George, James H., L. D., Lorenzo,. Charles F., William and Emma A.

Seaver James, telegraph repairer, C. & A. R. R. Roodhouse

Sharp P. J. dry goods, boots and shoes, etc. Roodhouse

SHIELD FRANCIS W. foreman car repairs C. & A.R.W., Roodhouse. Mr. Shield was born in Scotland, April 29, 1829; his father was by trade a carpenter and joiner ; with him young Shield was early instructed in the rudiments of car- penter work. On attaining his majority he emigrated to America; working his way to Chicago, where he completed his trade, working five years ; he then went to Dubuque, Iowa, making the trip in a cov- ered wagon ; he there worked as foreman, and erected many dwelling houses ; a resi- dent three years of Dubuque, he there married Miss Margaret Miller, a daughter of Michael Miller, of Glasgow, Scotland, by whom he had eleven children, seven of whom are living: Phillis, Frank, Jessie, Marshall, Uphemia, Agnes and Maud. During the war Mr. Shield served as fore- man on the Sea Branch, Roanoke, Norfolk & Petersburg R.R., engaged in the trans-

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ROODHOUSE.

portation of troops. Before the close of the war he came North, entering the em- ploy of the C.& A.Co., where he had worked previously, and at this writing has been a railroad man, so to speak, thirty years, and in the above capacity is regarded a superior workman. Seven years ago Mr. S. came to Roodhouse, where he invested in land, and now resides, living in very comfortable circumstances

Shay M. ticket agent C.& A.R.R. Roodhouse Shields Frank, jr. fireman C.& A.R.R. Rood-

house

Sinclair Alexander, fireman C.& A.RR. Rood- house

Sink John & Son, meat market, Roodhouse

Sitton Perry, contractor and builder, Rood- house

Sitton William, contractor and builder, Rood- house

Smith Jacob, machinist, Roodhouse

Smith J. R. brick maker and contractor, Roodhouse

Smith Oliver, agent pumps, Roodhouse Smith T. L. cashier Roodhouse Bank

Stewart James, retired farmer, Roodhouse Stone Samuel, painter, Roodhouse

Straight George, hedge trimmer, Roodhouse Strong, Butler & Adams, dry goods, groceries, etc., Roodhouse

Summers C. section foreman C.& A.R.R. Roodhouse

STRONG S. L. dealer in dry goods, clothing, boots and shoes, etc., Roodhouse. The subject of this sketch was born in Greene County, Ohio, in 1848 ; his father, C. A. Strong, a native of Greene County, Ohio, there married Miss Elizabeth Bruck, a daughter of Juen and Elizabeth. C. A. Strong was a successful farmer, who died in Ohio in 1869 ; his wife died some years previous. By the death of his mother young Strong was left to battle with the world ; he thus early learned to rely upon his own resources. At nineteen he became the proprietor of a grocery store, in which he became moderately successful ; in 1874 he moved from Ohio to Illinois, and'first lo- cated in Milton, Greene County, where he became firmly established in a general mer- chandise store, in which he met with great success and accordingly established a branch store at Roodhouse. Owing to the rapid growth of this town the branch store has long

since overtopped the one at Milton, making rapid strides to public favor, through the well known courtesy and liberality of its proprietor. Good goods at low prices distinguish this establishment. Mr. Strong married, in 1869, Miss Clara B. Adams, a daughter of Reuben and Matilda Adams, of Greene County, Ohio ; three children were born of this marriage: Maud M., Claudie B. and Sylvester L.

SWAN C. A. master mechanic of the C.& A.R.W. Although not among the early pioneers of this county, Mr. Swan occupies a leading position as a mechanic, at Roodhouse, and is therefore worthy of more than a passing notice. Oldest son of William and Judith Jackman ; he was born in New Hampshire, May, 1824; in his sixteenth year he entered upon the calling of a blacksmith, or rather apprentice, be- coming in a short time a skillful workman, entering the machine department of Al- chize, Tyng & Co., of Lowell, Mass. Rap- idly he rose in this calling. His next venture was to become a locomotive en- gineer, and he accordingly entered the employ of the Boston & Wooster Railway, as a fireman, and became an engineer on the Lowell and Lawrence road. In New Hampshire, where he afterward moved, was employed as engineer on the Sullivan Road. He was married to Miss Maria Hill, of Charlestown, N. H .; six children were born of this marriage, whose names are : Mary A., Maria E., Charles A., Car- rie J., Belle and William H. In 1873 Mr. Swan moved to Ohio and was employed on the Cleveland & Toledo R.R., afterward consolidated and known as the Lake Shore Road, as master mechanic ; he served fif- teen years. Ten years ago he entered the service of the C.& A. as a master mechanic ; now takes charge of the Roodhouse de- partment, a responsible position which he is well qualified to fill. Was president of village board of Roodhouse ; also township trustee

TAYLOR JOHN A. retired farmer, Rood- house

Thompson Albert, teamster, Roodhouse

THOMPSON GEO. W. who is one of the oldest residents of Greene County, was born September 7, 1829, near Barrow

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GREENE COUNTY DIRECTORY.

Station. Eighth child of James and Susan Thompson, natives of Kentucky, who emi- grated to Illinois during its earliest settle- ment. Growing to manhood, having for associates the pioneer boys of long ago, George attended the same log cabin, studied the same simple lessons, composed prin- cipally of Webster's speller and the New Testament ; on the old homestead property he received a full share of the hard work of the farm. December 13, 1855, he was united in marriage to Miss Eliza Perkins, a daughter of William Perkins, of Scott County ; seven children were born of this marriage, six of whom are living : Alice Ann, Samuel A., John H., William M., James E. and Eliza A. Mr. Thomp- son followed farming many years, and wit- nessed many hardships, incident to those good old days of long ago. In 1867 Mr. Thompson located at Roodhouse, where, in connection with S. L. Simmons, he put up the first dry goods and grocery store in the place. The business prospered far be- yond the expectations of its proprietors. In 1876 Mr. Thompson was elected justice of the peace of Roodhouse, an office he is well qualified to fill. There were of the first marriage of Mr. Thompson no chil- dren. His first wife died in 1863. The following year he was united in marriage to Miss Emily McNemer, a daughter of Robert Kidney and widow of Landford Mc- Nemer ; seven children born of this mar- riage. As written above it would appear to the general reader as though the children named were of the first marriage. We take this means of correcting this im- pression

Trippen J. T. Mrs. saloon, Roodhouse

WAGGONER MRS. laundry, Rood- house

WALES HARMON, was born in Schoharie County, N. Y., September, 1820 ; he there married Miss Lydia Andrews, daughter of Ira Andrews, by whom · he had six children, five of whom are living : Charles, who is a farmer in Greene County ; Eliza Jane, who married Jacob Crist ; Romaett, who married John Akers ; Luther, who married Miss Ella Smith ; Henrietta, the younger of the chil- dren, resides at home. Years ago Mr.

Wales settled in Greene County, where he rented the farm now owned by John Rood- house. Now a resident of Roodhouse, where he erected a very substantial build- ing, about the time of the laying out of this now enterprising town ; this house is east of the depot, and used by Mr. Wales as a first-class boarding house. See busi- ness card in directory

Wales Luther, works Sawyer's livery stable, Roodhouse

Wallace Mrs. Roodhouse

White Milton, laborer, Roodhouse Whitswort John, laborer, Roodhouse

WILL W. boot and shoe manufacturer, E. Railroad st., Roodhouse, Ill., dealer in gaiters, rubbers, slippers ; repairing done neatly and cheaply; all work warranted. Mr. Will came to Roodhouse during the Autumn of 1876, established himself in business in a short time on a solid basis, owing to superior workmanship and mate- rial used. Mr. W. is a native of Germany ; born in 1840. His father, Phillip Will, was a shoemaker by occupation ; he raised a family of five children, of whom William was the oldest son. Mr. Will crossed the Atlantic in 1871, landing in New York City. He went to St. Louis, where he en- tered the employ of a large boot and shoe house; an employee of the house two years. At St. Louis he was united in mar- "riage to Miss Lena Rinhault, a native of Germany. See business card of Mr. Will, in business directory of this work

WINSLOW E. B. saddler and harness- maker, E. Railroad st., Roodhouse, Ill. Two years ago Mr. Winslow came in our midst, and has proved himself a live business man and a thorough workman. He was born at Mount Sterling, Brown Co., Ill., April, 1844; but eighteen when the war came on, he enlisted in Co. B, 133d Ill. Inft., at Jacksonville, in the one hundred day ser- vice, and was honorably discharged during the Spring of 1864, locating at Springfield, Ill. In this city and Jacksonville he worked very industriously as a harness- maker, and became a skilled journeyman. Should be stated, Mr. W. commenced his trade in Clinton. DeWitt Co., Ill. Mr. Winslow was married to Miss Hattie Bee- rup, of Sangamon County. After his marriage he moved to Chatham, also

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ROODHOUSE.

Girard, Sangamon County. Drove a thriv- ing trade, and became firmly established in business ; now located at Roodhouse. He makes the latest styles of harness in a supe-

rior manner, which those who contemplate purchasing will do well to note

VATES ELIHU, harness maker, Rood- house

ROODHOUSE BUSINESS CARDS.

ARMSTRONG FRANK P. timber contractor, C.& A.R.R. Roodhouse

ARMSTRONG G. W. dealer in gro- ceries, hardware, queensware, wood and willow ware, Roodhouse

ARMSTRONG J. M. dealer in lum- ber and agricultural machinery-wagons, plows, corn-planter, hay rakes, etc., etc., Roodhouse

BARRETT WILLIAM, merchant tailor, is prepared to do first-class work at low prices. Give him a trial. Roodhouse, III.

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History of Greene county, Illinois: its past and present, Part 67

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