USA > Illinois > Greene County > History of Greene county, Illinois: its past and present > Part 82
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CRANE HARVEY, retired, Sec. 34, P.O. Rockbridge, was born in Claremont County, Ohio, July 14, 1810, was the second child of a family of ten children, born of Luther and Hannah Crane, her maiden name being Chalmers, his parents are of Welch descent. Harvey left the parental roof at the age of 17, and went to learn the carpenter's trade, which he completed at the time he attained his majority, when he embarked for the West, and landed at Car- rollton, this State, where he engaged at his trade, at which he continued there, for six years ; subsequent to this made several changes, first to Ottawa, Pike County, then to Plattesville, Wis., where he remained four years ; and in the year 1845 came to String Prairie, where he remained until he came to the town of Rockbridge. In Oct.
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GREENE COUNTY DIRECTORY.
5, 1843, he married Lucinda Bowman, sis- ter of Daniel Bowman, of this township. They have had four children, but two are now living : George B. was born Aug. 28, 1844; Elias was born May 17, 1848; Joshua was born March 11, 1850, and died Decem- ber, 1871. In March, 1877, he moved to the town of Rockbridge, and has since re- mained. Mr. Crane has been engaged in farming for several years past, his boys at- tending to the farm while he continued at at his trade. Mrs. Crane was born Sept. 10, 1815, and died Dec. 28, 1878, since which time he has lived at his home and taking his meals with his son, who is living near. Mr. Crane was an old line Whig, and cast his first vote for Henry Clay ; has since the dawn of the Republican party voted the straight ticket. Mr. Crane is now retired from business, and is now enjoying the fruits of his past labors in peace and tranquility
Crane Wm. farm hand, Sec 31, P.O. Green- field
CRESS HENRY, farmer, Sec. 4 P.O. Greenfield, is a son of John and Nancy Cress, her maiden name was Broadmarkle. Both of John's parents were in the Hessian army, and fought against the Colonists ; the British had induced them to believe that the Americans " were a set of canni- bals," but after they saw for themselves and understood the situation, that Wash- ington was fighting for liberty, after the battle of Preston, N. J., they abandoned the Hessians and joined his standard. Henry, the subject of these lines, was born in Alleghany County, Md., Feb. 18, 1820. His parents dying when he was young, he was placed under the fostering care of his grandmother. At the age of 13, went to learn the blacksmith's trade. In 1842 came West, first stopping at White Hall, re- mained there until 1846, when he came to Greenfield, which was then in its infancy ; worked for Euen Johnson, staid with him until he built the shop now run by J. Broadmarkle, and set up business for him- self, and continued at it for fifteen years ; he then abandoned the anvil and forge and moved to the east side of town and began farming, and has since remained. Has 353 acres of land and 160 in Montgomery County. Dec, 30, 1851, was united in mar-
riage to Nancy E. Benear, daughter of John S. Benear, she was born in Ohio, Dec. 16, 1827. Six children have crowned this union, but four now living : William, born Aug. 16, 1855; Joseph, born March 14, 1848 ; Everett, born Sept. 4, 1860 ; Norvel, born Oct. 25, 1867. Mr. Cress is a self-made man; been a hard worker and good manager; cast his first vote for James K. Polk ; was always a Democrat until the war, since been Repub- lican ; is a member of the I. O. O. F., Greenfield Lodge, No. 195
Cress Henry, farmer, Sec. 3, P.O. Greenfield Cress Wm. miller, Greenfield
Crouch J. J. trader, Greenfield
D ALBY J. F. trader, Greenfield
Davis Allen, renter, Sec. II, P.O. Green- field
Davis Elias, renter, Sec. 11, P.O. Greenfield Davis George, farmer, Sec. 12, P.O. Fayette Davidson M. Mrs. Greenfield
Davidson Wm. blacksmith, Greenfield
Dawson Clinton, clerk, Sec. 35, P.O. Rock- bridge
Dawson Napoleon, carpenter, Sec. 34, P.O. Rockbridge
DAWSON NATHAN, blacksmith, Sec. 33, P.O. Rockbridge, born in the " Old Dominion," Morgan County, Virginia, March II, 1820, he is a son of Mary and Henry Dawson, his father is of English de- scent, Nathan's mother was of German. Nathan's father was a tailor, but carried on farming at the same time. Nathan, after he became of age, began for himself, engaging in farming. At the age of 22 he married a lady by the name of Speelman, her Chris- tian name being Seventh Ann, being that number in numerical order of her family, whose name was Ann, hence the title ; their marriage took place Feb. 14, 1844. They have had eleven children, all of whom are now living : Richard, Peter E., Emily F., Cora B., Mary J., Napoleon, Henry C., Nancy J., Jefferson D., Taxana L., two of the above are still back in the State of Vir- ginia. After he married he farmed it for three years, then engaged in the millwright business until 1869, when he emigrated to this State, and settled at Fayette, where he engaged in the same business; remained there five years, then came to Medora,
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TOWN 10, NORTH RANGE 10, WEST.
where he staid a short time, then came to the town of Rockbridge, where he has since remained, and been engaged in the above named business. He is Democratic, and of the staunchest kind. Mr. Dawson is constructing an invention for cutting hedges by horse-power. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias
DAWSON R. T. carpenter, P.O. Rock- bridge. Richard was born in the " Old Dominion," February Ist, 1844, was the son of Nathan and Seventh Ann Dawson, she receiving this cognomen from the fact that she was the seventh daughter, all of whom had Ann attached to their names, hence the appellation, "Seventh Ann." In An- gust, 1861, Richard went into the Confede- rate service, during his sixteenth year, en- listed in the 89th Regiment Va. Infantry. In August '62, the following year, was taken prisoner by the 54th Penn. Reg't com- manded by Col. Campbell and was released by order of Secretary Cameron. He then returned home and engaged at his trade, which he followed until April, '65, when he took a trip to this State, remaining about three months, returned and resumed his trade. On December 8th, 1868, was mar- ried to Rebecca B. Casler, born January 10, 1851. By this union had five children, four of whom are now living: William Ross, born July 19. 1870 ; Peter L., born August 4, 1872; Ota B., born April 19, 1874 ; Grace D. born March 16, 1876 ; Lil- lie May, born April 5, 1878. In 1869 he removed to this State and locate 1 in Fayette, where he remained two years, then came to Rockbridge, and has since been engaged at his trade ; is a good workman, and gets all he can do. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and of the Knights of Honor, Golden Rule Lodge No. 1017
DAY WILLIAM C. physician, Green- field. Among the prominent practitioners of materia medica in this county is W. C. Day, who was born in Arkansas, June 24, 1837 ; is the eldest of a family of two chil- den born of Preston J. and Agnes Day. When about three years old removed with his parents to Springfield, Missouri, where his father built the first cabin in the town, where he remained several years, then moved into a mountainous district, at which place the advantages afforded to the "young
idea " were not at all flattering. He sub- sequently attended the High School at Leb- anon, remaining there until graduation. At the age of twenty, he having a desire to become a disciple of Esculapius, entered the St. Louis Medical Cotlege, graduating in 1861. June 20, 1862, enlisted in the Missouri State Militia, 14th Regiment, re- maining in the same until March 3d, 1863, when he received his commission as Assist- ant Surgeon of the 4th Missouri Cavalry, re- maining until May 20, '65. After his re- turn he located in Palmyra, Illinois, in the practice of his profession. February 20, 1866, married Lettie Allmard, born in Del- aware County, Pa., 1846. Four children have crowned this union : Louis R., born December 6, 1866 ; James A., born October 29, 1869; Anna A., born February 12, 1872; Gertrude L., born January 4, 1875. On March 9, 1871, took the ad eundem de- gree in the St. Louis Medical College ; May I, 1874, came to Greenfield and enga- ged in the practice of medicine ; June, 1877, associated with him Dr. Martin, under the firm name of Day & Martin. The doctor's efforts as a practitioner have been crowned with success, and his ability is recognized as among the first in the county. Is not a member of any church organization ; is a member of Greenfield Lodge A.F. & A.M. No. 129
DECKER EDWIN B. mechanic, Sec. 34,P.O. Rockbridge, was born in Claremont County, Ohio, June 15, 1823, third child of a family of six children born of James D. and Eliza Decker. The former was a i.a- tive of Dusseldorf, Prussia, came to Penn- sylvania in 1806. His wife was born in North Carolina. They were married in Petersburg, Ky .; was in the war of 1812 ; was at Dudley's defeat at Fort Meiggs. The subject of this sketch emigrated to this State in the Fall of 1835, and located with his parents six miles south-west of Carroll- ton, where his father had made a purchase of some land, which was farmed by the boys, their father being a tailor. Edwin left the parental roof at the age of eighteen and went to learn the wagon maker's trade, completing it, learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed for about fourteen years. January 8, 1846. was united in marriage to Julia A. Hazelwood ; had one child, John,
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GREENE COUNTY DIRECTORY.
who died at Little Rock, Mo. ; was a mem- ber of the 11th Missouri Cavalry ; first wife died in April, '47 ; was married the second time, April 4, 1849, to Elizabeth J. Ballard, born in Knox County, Tenn., September 25, 1833 ; had ten children, eight living : Irene, born July 3, 1853 ; Alfred, born February 29, 1856 ; Belle, born November I, 1858 ; Laura, born December 2, 1860 ; Thomas H., born February 15, 1863 ; Del- lie, Allie, twins, born November 21, 1868 ; Mary J., born September II, 1872. No- vember, 1873, moved to Rockbridge, and has since been engaged at his trade ; is an inventive genius ; has lately gotten up an equalizer for a three horse doubletree which is pronounced a success. Democratic in sentiment
Dennis Albert, farmer, Sec. 26, P.O. Green- field
Dixon A. J. clerk, Greenfield
Dixon Samuel, nurseryman, Greenfield
Dox Robert, farmer, Sec. 36, P.O. Rock- bridge
Dougherty C. H,, laborer, Sec. 13, P.O. Fay- ette
DOHM JACOB, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 17, P.O. Greenfield. Jacob is the sole survivor of a family of three children, born of Jacob and Margaret Dohm, who were natives of Hesse Darmstadt. Jacob the subject of this sketch, is a native of Greene County, and was born August 29, 1841, in town 10, range 10. His parents came to this country in the year 1836. His father died about six years afterward. His mother remained a widow several years, and is now the wife of Peter Acherbach. After the death of his father he remained with his mother up to the time of her marriage with Mr. Acherbach. He then hired to his step- father, by the month, worked two years, then enlisted in the 100 days service, in the 133d Regiment Illinois State Volunteers, remained out five months. Returning from service, farmed one year on his own account, then hired to John Hardcastle for one sea- son, then farmed again for himself; then was united in marriage to Anna M. L. Brendle. She was born October 29, 1839, is a daughter of Louis Brendle, of Polk County, Iowa. Their marriage took place November 15, 1866. Six children have blessed this alliance ; four are now living,
viz: Maggie, born September II, 1867 ; Anna, born August 23, 1871 ; Fred, born May 13, 1873 ; Mary, born October 4, 1877. After their marriage removed to Macoupin County and remained until December 31, 1867, when he removed to the place he now occupies. The place when he came was nearly all in timber and underbrush, and an old log cabin was all the improve- ments. He has cleared the place up, and now has 180 acres of excellent land which he has since farmed, is engaged also in trading to some extent, and his actions and dealings are characterized by a disposition on his part to deal justly and squarely by all those with whom he has business rela- tions
DOYLE THOMAS CAPT. tailor, was born November 2, 1837, in Tullow, County Carlow, Ireland, and was married June 9, 1856, to Mary E. Findlay. He emigrated to the United States in August, 1856, landing in New York City, where he remained until the outbreak of the Mormon war, when he joined the regular army, Co. "D," Ist Regiment U.S.A. After the Mer- mon difficulty he was engaged in the Utah campaign, and also with the Cheyenne In- dians in 1858. He was then ordered to re- inforce Major Van Dorn who was engaged fighting the Comanche Indians in 1859, du- ring which time he was in several engage- ments with this tribe. In the Summer of 1860 made another expedition against the Kiawas, and participated in the battle, Aug. 16 1860, which resulted in a victory over the tribe. The Presidential election occurred about this time, causing trouble in the border States, the command he belonged to was ordered to Fort Smith, Ark., remaining there until April, 1861 Here, he says, was the most trying time of his whole life. Every commissioned officer in his company " went over to the South," and joined the C.S.A, army, and he was strongly solicited to go also, being tendered a commission, and other inducements which were very enticing, but he spurned them all and remained loyal to the flag of his adopted country. Subsequent to this was engaged in the battle of Wilson's Creek, where 6 .- 500 of them were for seven hours pitted against 35,000-where Gen. Lyon fell. Mr. D. was at this time a bearer of dispatches,
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TOWN 10, NORTH RANGE 10, WEST.
and after crossing the enemy's lines five times, he was taken prisoner. After his exchange he was promoted to Ist Lieuten_ ant, and served as Battalion Adjutant, Ist Missouri Cavalry, M.S.M. In the Fall of 1862 was promoted to Ist Lieutenant and Adjutant of same regiment. In 1864 he veteraned in the 13th Missouri Cavalry, and in January, 1865, was promoted to Captain of same company and regiment. After the close of the war, went with his regiment to open the Santa Fe route across the Plains, and was finally mustered out of service, Jan. 12, 1866, having a military experience of nine years. He went out as a common sol- dier, and served his country faithfully and well, and the Union had no braver defend- er of her national honor. His fine and soldierly bearing, coupled with his execu- tive ability, secured him many prominent staff appointments during his term of ser- vice. He served as Assistant Adjutant General, also Assistant Inspector General on General Sanborn's staff, which he filled up to the time he was mustered out. Upon his return home to the quiet walks of life, he served some time as a member of the Metropolitan Police in St. Louis. Jannary I, 1867, moved to Carlinville, where he re- sumed his trade ; remained there until Au_ gust 7, 1877, when he came to Greenfield, and has since remained. Is superintend- ent of the cutting department in the Star Clothing House, and is an A. No. I artist as knight of the tape and shears. During his army life he acquired an appetite for the ardent, and it was feared for some time by his friends that he would become a hope- less sot, but before the temperance wave swept across our land he rallied and threw the monster from him, and has since been a staunch advocate of the temperance order, and has, by his example and his speeches on the rostrum, done much good for the cause ; has spoken in all the surrounding towns in the adjoining counties, and through the columns of the Gazette held a spirited debate with his minister, Father Sauer, on the subject of temperance, and the palm of victory was universally accorded by the people to Captain Doyle. Mr. D. has had eight children, four of whom are living: John W., born in Warrensburg, Mo., Nov. 27, 1863; M. Alice, born in St.
Louis, Mo., Jannary 6, 1866; Cornelius, born in Carlinville, Ill., December 1I, 1871 ; Joseph H., born in Carlinville, Ill., April 27, 1875
Drake Hiram, retired, Greenfield
Drake J. A. pump dealer, Greenfield
Drake John, teamster, Greenfield
Drennan Jack, tinner, Greenfield Drum Miles, merchant, Greenfield
Dryden J. C., drayman, Greenfield
Dryden W. S. M., retired, Greenfield Durham John, teamster, Greenfield
FCKMAN GEORGE, farm hand, Sec. 24, P.O. Greenfield
EDMONDSON MANFORD, farm-
er, Sec. 15. P.O. Fayette, is a son of W. F. and Harriet Edmondson ; her maiden name was Hand. Mr. Edmondson is a native of Kentucky, and emigrated to this State many years ago, and was among the number who with stout hands and wiliing hearts, did their part in bringing this country to the condition it now is. Upon his first arrival here he located near Carrollton, where he remained a few years, then moved and set- tled upon the land now occupied by Man- ford, where he lived until the year 1868, when he moved to Cass County. Missouri, where he has since remained. Mrs. E., his wife, died May 1, 1877. The subject of this sketch remained under the paternal roof up to the time of his father's removal to Missouri, and accompanied him to his new home, and assisted his father in the duties pertaining to the farm, until May 14, 1875, when he returned to this county, and was married to Alice Grove, a native of Virginia. Returning with his wife to Mis- souri, remained about two years, and then returned to Fayette, in this county. His health being poor, he has since made this his home, and rents his farm, the proceeds of the same being amply sufficient to main- tain him, and a margin besides. His wife's mother resides with him. They have no issue
Edwards Charles, lumber, Greenfield
Egler M. renter, Sec. 22, P.O. Greenfield
Eidleman John, renter, P.O. Fayette
Elkington Joe, renter, Sec. 33, P.O. Rock- bridge
Elkinton Thomas, renter, Sec. 26, P.O.Green- field
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GREENE COUNTY DIRECTORY.
Emery George, farm hand, Sec. 34, P. O. Rockbridge
Ennis W. P. clothier, Greenfield
Entrecan J. H. carpenter, Greenfield
EWALD JOHN, station agent C.B.& Q. R. R. Greenfield. One of the most reliable and efficient agents in the employ of the C.B.& Q.R.R. is Mr. Ewald, who has been a railroad man over twenty-five years, and served in various capacities, from a common laborer to some of the most responsible positions connected with the road, and from his long experience and known integrity has acquired a reputation among railroad officials that will always se- cure him as good a situation as lies in their province to grant. He was born in Prus- sia, Oct. 13, 1827; his parents, John and Martha E., never came to this country, but in Aug., 1847, John, Jr., set sail for Amer- ica, and, after a voyage of nine weeks, landed in New York. First went to Mil- waukee, then to Detroit, where he first be- gan work on the railroad, where he re- mained three years; then went to New Buffalo, where he had charge of a gang of men on the Michigan Central; laid track from Aurora to Mendota; Dec. 22, 1854, went to Detroit, where he married Eliza- beth Werner, born Dec. 26, 1843, in Can- ada, opposite Detroit. After their marriage, moved to Plano, where he obtained a situa- tion as station agent. While here his wife lost her health, and he returned to Detroit and went into business with his father-in law, who was a brewer, where he remained two years. Then went to Bushnell, and re- snmed railroading again, where he remained fifteen years; was at Astoria one year, and in April, 1872, came to Greenfield, and has since remained in charge of the office and station at this place. Two of his sons as- sist him in the office, Willie and John; one is night and the other day operator, Mr. Ewald attending to the office and express business. Mr. E. has six children living, four boys and two girls: George, born Sept. 13, 1858; Willie, born Oct. 16, 1861; John, born Nov. 13, 1863; Albert, born Dec. 16, 1865; Annie, born April 1, 1867, and Minnie, born Sept. 14, 1872. Mr. and Mrs. E. are members of the M. E. Church. Mr. E. is a member of Greenfield Lodge, A. F. and A. M., No. 129
] Ewing J. W. merchant, Greenfield
Ewing Thomas, laborer, Sec. 34, P,O. Rock- bridge
FAITH G. W. plasterer, Greenfield
Farthing -, salesman, Sec. 34, P.O. Rockbridge
Finch Thomas, physician, Greenfield
Finley B. W. grocer, Green field
Finley M. clerk, Greenfield
Finley W. L. grocer, Greenfield Fishburn Jacob, retired, Greenfield
Fisher R. C. drayman, Greenfield
Fisher Theodore, farm hand, Sec. 20, P. O. Greenfield
Fulmer John, laborer, Greenfield
GAITHER -, agent, Greenfield
Gibson Wm. renter, Sec. 30, P. O. Rockbridge
Gill R. D. laborer, Greenfield Gilliland R. painter, Greenfield
Goodpasture Daniel, laborer, Sec. 24, P. O. Rockbridge
GRAY J. HOWARD, druggist, Greenfield. The subject of this sketch first beheld the light of day in Halifax County, N. C., on Christmas day, 1828. Is the son of J. J. Gray; his mother's maiden name was Lizzie Hubbard. They are of Scotch and Dutch descent. At an early day the family emigrated to this State, and bought a farm near Greenfield, in Macoupin County, where the father of J. Howard still resides; he is now seventy-five years of age; has in his time officiated in different pastorates, being a regularly or- dained minister of the Presbyterian faith. In 1837, he went to Monmouth, where he accepted a call, and supplied that pulpit until his failing health compelled him to return home. In the early part of J. Howard's life, he received his education at a private school, in which he had all the advantages in the way of the courses, that is now taught in our colleges, he having taken a classical course. In Oct. 9, 1855, he was united in marriage to Sarah Allen, daughter of George W. Allen, who is an old and well known resident in this county, and is the original proprietor of the town. Mrs. Gray was born in this county, Aug. 14, 1831. No issue. While they have never had any children of their own, yet
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TOWN 10, NORTH RANGE 10, WEST.
they have always had in their family more or less children who have been unfortunate in losing their parents, and were left with- out 'a home, yet Mr. Gray and wife have taken care of them as if they were their own offspring, and have lavished the same kindness and good counsel upon them as if they were really their own. Mr. Gray, like all men who appreciate their wives, is justly proud of his, and twenty-three years of married life has not been sufficient to make him regret the choice he made, and thinks, if he had it to do over, he would choose as before. Many people are " mar- ried," yet not mated. In the year 1857 Mr. Gray embarked in the business in which he is now engaged, and it is said "if any man in the town has a gilt-edge credit, J. How- ard Gray has," and he is of the few, who began business at the time he did, that have sustained themselves, and made their business a steady growth and the enterprise a financial success. Mr. Gray has been a member of the M. E. Church for the last thirty years, and is also a Royal Arch Ma- son, and is a man that has preserved un- sullied the family prestige, and is well deserving of the high character that he sustains in the circle of his acquaintances, and in the community in which he resides Green Jacob, laborer, Greenfield Green M. laborer, Greenfield
GREENE W. E. farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 31, P.O. Rockbridge, is a na- tive of this county; born May 25, 1824. His father's name was John and his moth- er's Mary, of the Mairs family, who were the parents of five children, of whom W. E. was the fifth in order. They came to this State as early as 1818, located near Kane, entered land, and lived on the same until their death. The subject of this sketch had very limited advantages, so far as education was concerned, but learned to read and write, and got some little idea of figures, but his education has been more of a practical nature. He remained at home until he attained his twenty-sixth year; at this time he was united in marriage to Eliza J. Enslow, born June 29, 1833. She was a daughter of Worthington Enslow, of this county. After his marriage, he rented land of his father, up to the year 1854, when they moved to some land that Mrs.
Greene had inherited from the estate, where they continued about two years, then re- turned to the land they had formerly occu- pied, of the Greene estate, remaining there until the year 1860. Then going back again to the Enslow land, where they built them a hewed log house; continued here twelve years, and in the Spring of 1872 they moved to the place they now reside; this farm is known as the Witt estate. They are now located for life, and have, after their many changes and good manage- ment, accumulated until they now own 880 acres of land, which is well improved. Mr. Greene has always been an adherent to the principles of Democracy. They have had nine children, seven of whom are now liv- ing: Trinity Ann, born Oct. 23, 1852; Evans N., born March 7, 1854; John G., Oct. 9, 1855; Julia E., born Oct. 16, 1856; George N., born Jan. 13, 1859; James F., born April 30, 1860; David R., born Nov. 9, 1868
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