History of Greene county, Illinois: its past and present, Part 80

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 80

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

WELLS SAMUEL, farmer and stock raiser, Sec. II, P.O. White Hall. Mr. Wells was born in Christian Co., Ky., Sept. 13, 1809; his parents moved to Nashville, Tenn., when he was but a small child, and here were passed the days of his youth. In Nov., 1829, his father removed with his family to Illinois, who first settled in Ham- ilton Co., near McLeansborough. Here Samuel became acquainted with Miss Mary Smith, to whom he was married Dec. 23, 1830. By this marriage four children, of whom one is now living, William L., who lives in the Cherokee Nation. In 1834, Mr. Wells removed to Wayne Co., fifteen miles north of Fairfield. After residing here for two years he again moved, and located in Greene Co., about half a mile

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GREENE COUNTY DIRECTORY.

north of the place on which he lives. On the 18th day of March, 1836, he had the misfortune to lose his helpmate; and in June, 1837, he married Miss Mary Powers, daughter of Joseph and Mary Powers, who were among the early settlers of Greene Co. Six children blessed this union, only one of whom is living : Joseph A., born March 28, 1838, married Miss Matilda Wood in 1860, and is now a resident of Erie, Kan. On the IIth day of August, 1849, Samuel was again parted from his companion by the hand of death. March 6, 1851, he again launched on the sea of matrimony, with Miss Sarah Sullivan. Ten children by this union, two living : Malvina F., who married Joseph Vinyard, now a resident of Denton Co., Texas; and David W .. who was born Aug. 11, 1856, and now lives with his father on the old homestead. On the Ist of Nov., 1865, Mrs. Wells was called from hence, leaving Mr. W. a wid- ower for the third time. On Feb. 5. 1868, he married Mrs. Esther Meley, who is now living. Mr. Wells relates that during his stay in Wayne Co. he did not see a single piece of wheat sown or raised, and nothing for bread but corn meal, and that from frost-bitten corn. While living in Wayne Co. he lost two children by milk sickness, which caused him to leave the county at the time he left. Seven families moved together, to escape the terrible ravages of this deadly plague. From his experience with the disease, Mr. W. gives much useful and practical information as how to pre- vent and cure this malady. He states that upon his arrival in Greene Co. there were not more than a dozen houses in the town- ship where he settled; and where the present city of White Hall now stands, at that time was a collection of log houses, probably a dozen in number, and one store kept in a log cabin. He arrived in Greene Co., pos- sessed of two ponies, $45 in money, and a few of the necessary implements of house-

keeping. In the years 1837-39 he followed the occupation of buying poultry through the country, and taking it to market in St. Louis ; he by this means cleared enough to buy 40 acres of land. But.going security for friends, he lost his little all, and was obliged to make a new start. In 1845 he again commenced his former business, buy- ing produce for the St. Louis market. This pursuit he followed fifteen years, thereby amassing enough money to purchase the 80 acres of land on which his residence stands, although during the time he suffered from ill health incessantly, and met with misfortunes which would have disheartened a man who had not an indomitable will and energy. He states that during his farming he has lost what would have easily made 40,000 bushels of wheat by the dry freeze, and over sixty head of horses, yet, despite all these trials, difficulties, and misfortunes, he has accumulated about 500 acres of land by his own individual efforts. In 1842 he became identified with the United Baptist Church, and is well known in the commun- ity for his piety and strict temperance prin- ciples

White L. H. farmer, Sec, 20, P.O. Carrollton' White Samuel, renter, P.O. White Hall

Whitesides Mrs. L. Sec. 20, P.O. Carrollton Williams Frank, renter, Sec. 10, P.O. White Hall

Wilson Francis, farmer, P.O. White Hall

YOUNG J. T. farmer, Sec. 20, P.O. White Hall

Young Stephen, farmer, Sec. 21, P.O. White Hall

BUSINESS CARD.

THOMAS JJOHN H. blacksmith and horseshoer; custom work promptly at- tended to; shop on farm, in Township II Range 13

TOWN IO, NORTH RANGE IO, WEST.

A BRAMS WILLIAM, clerk, Sec. 34, P.O. Rockbridge

Achenbach Fred, farmer, Sec. 29, P.O. Rock- bridge

ACHENBACH PETER, farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 30, P.O. Rockbridge. The history of Greene County would be ren- dered incomplete without the sketch of Peter Achenbach, whose successful career has justly entitled him to a place in the front rank of self-made men, and whose success and present surroundings are due to his energy, industry and business tact. He was born in Appelsheim Kreise Worms, Hesse Darmstadt, Nov. II, 1825; his father's name was Frederic, and his mother's name was Mary Schwarz. At the age of 19 he left the parental roof and hired out for three years, to one man, at $22 (of our money) per year. In Sept. 1848, he em- barked for this country with a man by the name of Rothgeber, they came direct to this county. Peter first hired out to Wm. Hardcastle at $115 per year ; worked the second year for Rothgeber, for which he received $120; he then bought him a cheap team and began farming for himself, first renting one year of Rothgeber, then six years on Sec. 7, on the Harden estate. Feb. 2, 1851, he was married to Mrs. Mag- gie Dohm, relict of Jacob Dohm. Three children have blessed this union : Freder- ick, born Oct. 28, 1851 ; Mary, born Sept. 15, 1853; Bena, born Feb. 8, 1855. In 1858 Mr. Achenbach bought 160 acres of land, where he now resides, costing him $3,350. Phillip Keohm was the former owner. He has since remained on the same land, but has added to it until he now has 1,340 acres of choice land and all under the very best cultivation and im- provements. Mr. Achenbach, a few years ago, built him one of the finest barns in the county, which was destroyed by fire including nineteen head of fat steers ; was

insured in the London Imperial, by B. B. Bartholomew. The loss was not total, as he received the amount of his policy. Mr. Achenbach has for several years been engaged in stock raising, and his efforts in that direction have been characterized by the same degree of success that has at- tended all the enterprises in which he has been engaged. In short, he is a man far above the average, having a remarkable memory, and evinces great sagacity in busi- ness matters, and one whose honesty and integrity are unquestioned. Such is, in brief, the sketch of one of Greene County's self-made men

Adams J. M. blacksmith, Greenfield

Alexander C. W. railroad agt. Sec. 34, P.O. Rockbridge

Allen Mrs. C. Greenfield

Allen L. P. merchant, Greenfield

Andrews Jacob, farmer, Sec. 2, P.O. Green- field

ARDINGER J. W. flouring mill, Greenfield, was born in Washington Coun- ty, Indiana, Jan. I, 1838; was the son of Charles and Jane Ardinger, who were both of German descent. Mr. Ardinger is a knight of the pick ; his father before him being an old-time miller and is now run- ning a large flouring mill in Williamsport, Maryland. In the early part of the life of J. W. he remained with his father until he obtained his majority, when he then set out for himself in Baltimore, where he remained three years until the outbreak of the war. when he enlisted in the first Maryland Cav- alry, and remained three years and three months, with Col. Wetsky, Banks' Divis- ion; during which time the regiment was engaged in doing scouting and skirmishing duty, yet were engaged in several engage- ments during the war, Anteitam, Gettys- burg and others. Mr. Ardinger was mar- ried Nov. 10, 1859, to Susan Ellen Albert, daughter of George Albert ; by this mar-

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GREENE COUNTY DIRECTORY.

riage they had nine children, seven of whom are now living, viz : Mary, William, George, Susan, Fannie, Charles, Winnie. In Aug. 1864, Mr. Ardinger moved to this State ; he has made several changes; went first to Springfield, where he remained for eighteen months ; from there to Logan County, Mt. Pulaski, where he remained at his business for a term of seven years, when he moved to Carlinville, remained one year, then went to Girard, where he remained until Feb. 1876, then came to Greenfield and since remained. First he was in partner- ship with Haven and French, and the next year he purchased one-half of the mill and has since retained it. When Mr. Ardinger came here the mill was very badly out of repair, and as a result, the trade was very poor, but since the present management the mill has been thoroughly repaired be- ing now in first-class order, and by doing first-class work, and square dealing with the people, he has now built up a fine trade, and now have all they can do, and from the known ability of the proprietors, success will attend their further efforts

Ash J. B. teamster, Greenfield

BAKER JOHN, renter, Sec. 28,P.O. Rock- bridge

Barnett Harrison, retired, Sec. 34, P.O. Rock- bridge

Barnett H. Jr. farmer, Sec. 33, P.O. Rock- bridge

Barret Jeff. laborer, Sec. 34, P.O. Rockbridge Barret John, harness shop, Sec. 34, P.O. Rockbridge

BARTHOLOMEW B. B. hotel and

livery, P. O. Greenfield. " Bart." as he is familiarly known, was born in Copporel Green, Essex County, England, Dec. 1826; was the son of Charles and Hannah B. whose maiden name was Bradbrook. At the age of eleven years he came to this country, arriving at Buffalo, N. Y., where he learned the trade of carpenter and joiner, and after his trade was completed he worked at journey work up to the time he was married, which occurred Feb. Io, 1853. His wife's maiden name was Mary Hassett, who lived at Lancaster, ten miles east of Buffalo. By this marriage they have had two children : Charles, born April 11, 1855, died Jan. 9, 1857 ; Mary E.

born in Davenport, Iowa, May 23, 1858, now the wife of H. P. Dix, of St. Louis, Mo. After Bart's. marriage he had charge of the repairs on the New York Central Railroad for two years and nine months ; then came west to Davenport, Iowa, where he remained until May, 1859, when he came to this county and located at Carroll- ton, where he engaged at his trade as builder and contractor, in which he was en- gaged for about ten years ; was engaged on some of the public works in the county, and as contractor and builder he was a suc- cess ; he being a good workman and a man of great energy he always pushed a job through with dispatch when he undertook it ; hence he was always in demand and always had all the work he could command. He engaged in this business up to the time of the war, when he was engaged for about one-and-a-half years in selling goods, and was considered a fine salesman, and at this business proved himself a success. He then engaged in real estate and insurance business in which he was connected for six years, then sold out, and in Dec. 1875, moved to Greenfield and bought out the Secor heirs and fitted up and run the first hotel that has ever been conducted on the true system. He has a livery in connection with his business, and his house is the pop- ular resort for all the commercial men who stop in the town, as his fame as a hotel man is well known and the traveling men are well aware when they turn in with "Bart." that the best of fare and the cleanest of beds are awaiting them. Dur- ing Bart's. sojourn in Carrollton he was owner of the famous trotter, of Greene County, "Honest John "; he has had a good deal of experience with horseflesh, and there are few men who think more of a good horse than Bart. On Feb. the II, 1878, Bart. and wife celebrated their silver wedding, which was the grandest affair that has taken place in the town for many years ; the guests were numerous and the presents various and elegant. During the last twenty years Bart. has been the leading auctioneer of the county. In conclusion, there are but few men who have more am- bition and energy than he, and whenever his attention is directed towards any enter- prise,success is inevitable. Such is but in

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TOWN 10, NORTH RANGE 10, WEST.

brief the sketch of B. B. Bartholomew- " Mine host of 'Bart's.' hotel."

BASSHAM B. U. hotel and livery, Greenfield, was born in Jackson County, Tennessee, Nov. 4, 1842, son of Merideth A. Bassham ; his mother's name was Eliza- beth A. Fox prior to her marriage, and a native of Tennessee. His father was born in the "Old Dominion," and emigrated to Tennessee at an early day and became a well-to-do farmer ; but in consequence of his inability to say "No," went security to such an extent that he became embar- rassed and lost nearly every thing he had, and to better his fortune emigrated to this State, first locating in Madison Coun- ty ; remained two years, then moved to Jersey, where he farmed about ten years ; then went to Macoupin County, where he bought him a farm and lived eight years ; then sold out and moved to Green- field, bought the farm now owned by Smith Lemasters, where he lived until he died, which occurred April 2, 1875. Ben- jamin remained under the parental roof until April, 1865, when he married Louisa V. McBride, a native of this county, had four children : John H., born Jan. 12, 1866; Eva May, born May I, 1868 ; Altha Ann, born Sept. 14, 1870; Laura E., born Feb. I, 1873. After his marriage, farmed six years on the McBride property, of which he had a lease. Nov. 12, 1864, moved to Greenfield, where his wife died March II, 1874. After coming to town was engaged in teaming, which business not being satis- factory, abandoned it and bought out the livery stable owned by Joseph Carter, Nov. 12, 1874. Two years later built the hotel building he now occupies, and has since been running it in connection with his liv- ery. June 26, 1876, was married to Eliza- beth J. Crauch, born in Washington, Ten- nessee, May II, 1841. No issue.

Bassham John, teamster, Greenfield

Batchelder W. P. att'y-at-law, Sec. 33, P.O. Rockbridge

Bauer Phillip, shoemaker, Greenfield

Belknap A. retired, Greenfield

Belknap E. A. merchant, Greenfield

Bell Joseph, mechanic, Sec. 13, P. O. Fayette

Berger Hugh, blacksmith, Sec. 33, P.O. Rock- bridge

Berger John, engineer, Sec. 33, P.O. Rock- bridge

Bernes Peter, farmer, Sec. 18, P.O. Green- field

Bilderbach J. N. retired, Greenfield

Birdwell James, laborer, Sec. 13, P.O. Fayette Bishop George, laborer, Sec. 33, P.O. Rock- bridge

Bishop Levi, laborer, Sec. 30, P.O. Rock- bridge

Bishop Preston, laborer, Sec. 33, P.O. Rock- bridge

Bernes Wm. renter, Sec. 12, P.O. Fayette

BIRD BARNEY, farmer. Sec. 7, P.O.

Greenfield, is among the prominent repre- sentatives that have crossed the briny deep from Erin's Green Isle, and cast his lot among the Greene Countians. He is a son of Owen and Rose Bird, and dates his birth in the year 1833, in Monahan County, Ireland. His father died in the old coun- try. His mother came to this country sub- sequently, and died in 1868. Barney came to this country at the age of sixteen, land- ing in New Orleans, remained a short time, then went to St. Louis, where he engaged to learn the trade of ship carpenter, at which he continued about one year and-a- half ; then went to learn the trade of boiler making, at which he continued about the same length of time, when the business not suiting him went to steamboating, at which he continued for three years; then went to Iowa, where he remained three years ; was engaged in farming while there; then returned to St. Louis, where he en- gaged in steamboating again, at which he continued until the breaking out of the war, and left just in time on the last boats before the blockade was raised; went North, and stopped at St. Louis ; and in April, 1861, was united in marriage to Ro- sanna Gillick, born in Caven County, Ire- land, Dec. 23, 1832 ; they were married by Father Wheeler. By the marriage they have had seven children, but six now living : Jennie, born Oct. 22, 1862; Katie, born Aug. II, 1865; Mary, born May 1, 1867 ; Florence, born Oct. 19, 1868 ; Ellen, born July 8, 1870: Barney, born July 17, 1873. After his marriage went to Carrollton, where he engaged for Isham Linder, at $10 per month, boarding himself. Among the last men he worked for was Judge Woodson.

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GREENE COUNTY DIRECTORY.

He then engaged in farming for himself, renting land of Robt. Harden, at which he continued about ten years ; then bought forty acres of land, which he sold after- wards and bought another forty of the same man. In the year 1875, he moved to the place he now resides upon, and has since been renting land on the Edmondson estate, and in the Spring intends moving to his own land in Sec. 7. Mr. Bird is a man of industrious habits and of great energy, and is self-made, and has earned a reputation for candor and uprightness, and is highly esteemed in the community in which he re- sides. Is Democratic in sentiment

BLODGETT M. R. drygoods and gro- ceries, Rockbridge, is a native of New England, born Feb, II, 1832, in Grafton County, New Hampshire; he is the sev- enth child of a family of seventeen chil- dren ; his father being twice married, the second time to the mother of M. R., whose maiden name was Mary Utley ; his father's name was Darius; both of them were born in Connecticut, and M. R. was raised up under the influence of that Puritanical re- gion, and it may be said of him that he was very dutiful, and though remaining at home until he was several years past his majority he never left home (before 21) without ob- taining permission, and never afterwards without first indicating his intention. Worked for his father by the month, one year and lost but half a day in that time. Subsequent to this, taught school at $17 per month and boarded 'round. Was en- gaged in the mercantile business in Ver- mont before coming West. In 1856, emi- grated to this State, first located at Brighton, where he clerked for Shipman one year, then returned to his native State, returning after the war to Brighton, then clerked for Greer. Sept. 20, 1867, he moved to Rock- bridge and engaged in the mercantile busi- ness, in which he has since continued ; keeps a general stock. Is now postmaster, which office he has filled for five years ; was also postmaster at Brighton. In Feb. 1858, was united in marriage to Parmelia Woods; two children have blessed their union, but one now living : Edna Belle, born Sept. 16, 1860. Mr. Blodgett is a member of the Knights of Honor, Golden Rule Lodge No. 1017

Bolton E. S. trader, Greenfield

Boring Chas. blacksmith, Greenfield Bostick Capt. farmer, Sec. 13, P.O. Fayette Boston Chas. carpenter, Greenfield Boston H. B. carpenter, Greenfield Boston I. P. constable, Greenfield

Bower Jacob, nurseryman, Sec. 4, P.O. Green- field

BORING JOHN M. carpenter, Sec. 4, P.O. Greenfield, was born in Washing- ton County, Tennessee, March 5, 1824, the sixth child of Hezekiah and Mary A. Bor- ing, the latter's family name was Meldin. The former was born in Baltimore County, Maryland. The Boring family trace their ancestry to the Isle of Breton, to the Mc- Donald family of Tory fame. Hezekiah, the father of John M., was born Feb. 22, 1789, and is still living and has celebrated his ninetieth birthday. Emigrated to Ten- nessee, 1798, and to this State in Nov. 1829, and located one-and-a-half miles south of White Hall, on Apple Creek Prairie, re- maining two years there, located perma- nently in township I0, range II, three miles northeast of Greenfield, where he entered land and has since remained. John M. re- mained at home until he attained his twenty- second year, then learned the carpenter's trade, under Speaks & Wooley ; learned in the meantime the cabinet and furniture business. These trades completed, he be- gan for himself, and worked at his trade for about six years. Nov. 24, 1853, formed a matrimonial alliance with Mary A. Bailey, born in Shelby County, Kentucky, Jan. 12, 1830; nine children have been born to them, eight of whom are now living, viz .: Ara, Mary M., William A., Ellen, Louis, Blanche, Frank and Florence. After his marriage he moved to Macoupin County, where he remained about twenty years, during which time was engaged at his trade as contractor and builder. In 1865_6 built the public school building at Carlin- ville, where he then resided, which enter- prise proved a very serious one to him. After he had contracted for the same and begun operations, material took a rapid rise, and the result was he lost by the ope- ration $10,000 and one year's work. This was a severe loss to him, having to sell his fine residence in order to fill his contract. In 1872, moved to Greenfield, where he

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TOWN 10, NORTH RANGE 10, WEST.

has since remained and engaged at his trade. Is a member of the M. E. Church, and Republican in principle

BOWMAN ABRAHAM, farmer, Sec. 19, P.O. Greenfield, is a brother of Dr. Bowman, whose sketch appears elsewhere ; he was born in Bourbon County, Ky., Sept. 20, 1820; he is a son of George and Mar- garet Bowman. During Abraham's youth he attended school but about four months in all, his schooling being principally in the school of experience, having more of a practical knowledge than a theoretical one. He remained with his parents until he was 36 years of age, during which time he was engaged in agricultural pursuits with the exception of two years, when he was en- gaged with his brother Joseph in the mill- ing business, which mill was the property of their father. In March, 1857, he came to this State, and located the land he now occupies, and in the Spring of 1858 got possession of the same, and has since farmed ; being a bachelor, he boarded in the meantime with a neighbor for sev- eral years ; this getting rather too monoto- nous, he concluded that it was not good for man to be alone, so on Feb. 2, 1865, he was united in wedlock to Mary J. Barrett, daughter of Abner Barrett. They have had three children, but one now living- Harriet Ellis, born Oct. 19, 1865 ; one pair twins were born them, but they died soon afterward. Mr. Bowman was a member of the Whig party, but since has been an ad- herent of the Republican faith; he has never sought office ; he is highly respected in the community

BOWMAN ALBERT, farmer and stock raiser, town I0, range 10, P. O. Rock- bridge, was born in Greene County, July 18, 1841 ; his father, Dr. Daniel Bowman, was born in Bourbon County, Ky., emi- grated to Butler County, Ohio, where he married Catharine Meneely, and in an ear- ly day they removed to this county. Albert Bowman, the subject of this sketch, was raised on a farm, and received his educa- tion at the common schools of the country. In the Fall of 1861, at the age of 20, he enlisted in Co. F, Ist Mo. V. C., for three years' service ; he participated in the vari- ous actions in which the company were en- gaged ; he received an honorable discharge

in the Fall of 1864, and returned to Greene County; he commenced farming and deal- ing in live stock, which he followed for the next two years, when he went into mercan- tile business at Rockbridge. This he fol- lowed for two years, when he again com- menced farming and dealing in stock, which he has followed to the present time. March 28, 1867, he was married to Miss Ellen J. Vallentine, whose parents were James and Martha A. Vallentine, natives of Massachusetts and Kentucky. From this union they have five children living; one has died in infancy. Lucie M., born March II, 1868 ; Lillian M., born Aug. 27, 1870; Clyde A., born Jan. 25, 1874; Harry V., born Sept. 5, 1876; Lynn D., born Oct. 19. 1878. Ellen J. his wife, was born in Greene County, Nov. 25, 1844; finished her education at Monticello Seminary in 1863. She became a member of the Pres- byterian church in early life

BOWMAN DANIEL, farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 30, P.O. Rockbridge, is a native of Bourbon County, Ky., born July 21, 18II ; is the fifth child of a family of eleven children born of George and Mar- garet B .; her maiden name was Smock. At an early age removed with his family to Ohio, locating in Warren County; his fath- er was a farmer, and raised his boys in the same line. Daniel's entire school term can be summed up in the space of six months, and what education he now has has been acquired by burning the midnight oil, and in the active practice of business life; after he became of age made a trip to this coun- ty, the Spring of the "deep snow," remain- ing until the Fall, when he took the chills, and returned to Ohio; was married in Ohio Sept. 15, 1839, to Catharine Meneely, by whom he had eight children, but three are now living: Joanna, born March 22, 1839; Albert, born July 18, 1841 ; Lucius, born Dec. 6, 1844. After his marriage, was en- gaged in a paper mill during the day, and at night employed his time in studying ; having a desire to study medicine he be- gan with Dr. Drake, who gave him all the assistance in his power; remained with him until he completed his course, and then attended lectures. In the year 1836, he removed to this county, first located west of Carrollton, where he raised two crops,

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GREENE COUNTY DIRECTORY.

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History of Greene county, Illinois: its past and present, Part 80

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