USA > Illinois > Hancock County > History of Hancock County, Illinois, together with an outline history of the State, and a digest of State laws > Part 55
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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
Rev. A. C. Calkins, B. S., a minister of the M. E. Church, was born near Oneida, Ill., Dec. 11, 1849. His father, Edwin Calkins, formerly of Columbia county, N. Y., is one of the earliest settlers of Illinois, arriving in 1837. His mother, now dead, was a daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth Parke, and sister to the noted Baptist divine, Rev. S. F. Parke, of Clifton Springs, N. Y. Rev. Calkins was the fourth child in a family of five, and of course did not personally feel the brunt of toil and privations incident to the settlers of a new country; yet from his earliest years he was accustomed to bear his part of labor on the old homestead farm. Being possessed of maturity beyond others of his years, young Calkins was soon recognized as a leader among his fellows, and was in danger, from his ardent temperament, of becoming reckless and dissipated. His conversion, in January, 1866, was a fortunate occurrence, and, wrought a wonderful change in his previously skep- tical opinions. After his conversion he remained out of the Church about a year, which he much regrets. In January of the following year he united with the M. E. Church, at Oneida, Ill. Under his own convictions as well as the expectations of his brethren of the Church, he reluctantly confessed to a call to preach the gospel. This was a battle, as he had set his heart upon the study of medicine.
Though possessed at this time of a good common-school educa- tion, he wisely concluded this was not sufficient for a Methodist preacher, and in September, 1867, he was enrolled a student of Hedding College, at Abingdon, Ill. He was enthusiastic in his studies, especially of the natural sciences, and graduated with honor in the class of 1871. On the day of his graduation (June 15, 1871), he was united in marriage to one of Abingdon's fair daughters, Miss Mary L. Vanvleet, who was also a student of Hed- ding. This pleasant episode was followed in September by a recom- mnendation to the "traveling connection" of the Central Illinois Conference of the M. E. Church. Rev. Calkins labored for three years in the eastern part of the State, the balance of his ministry mostly in McDonough county. He was ordained Deacon by Bishop Andrews, at Galesburg, in 1873, and to the office of Elder, two years later, at Moline, by the venerable Bishop Amnes, now deceased.
Mr. Calkins is an earnest, vigorous speaker, careful, though quick in utterance, using correct language, and is a good elocu- tionist. Possessed of no extraordinary talent, yet he is a successful minister, a pleasant speaker and is very acceptable among the people he serves. As this is only his ninth year in his chosen profession, it is quite certain that he has not yet reached the zenith of his power as a pulpit orator. His personal appearance contrib- utes to his success. Possessing a well-proportioned body, express- ive face, high forehead, long flowing beard, combined with a well- stored mind and courteous manners, he certainly can appear well. As a friend he is social, though not talkative. Though courteous
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IIISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
with those of opposite opinions, he is decided in his convictions, rendering him an opponent difficult to move.
As to his family, his wife is a companion in all his work as a Methodist preacher, sustaining the shock of frequent removals from one appointment to another, enjoined by the itinerant system of the Church of their choice, with unflinching courage. Of a pleas- ant and social nature, Mrs. Calkins is always a favorite upon the various charges that her husband has occupied. Mr. Calkins and wife have been blessed with 3 bright, romping children,-2 girls and a boy, who make the parsonage home complete.
At the present date (1880) Mr. Calkins occupies an important field of labor known as the Bentley Cireuit, including Bentley, Elm Tree, St. Mary's and Franklin "appointments."
George W. Capron was born in this county in 1843, and is the son of George H. and Mary (Read) Capron, of English descent, the former of Rhode Island and the latter of Ohio. George W. was educated in the common schools, and attended Hedding College at Abingdon, Knox county, Ill., one year. In 1870 he married Ellen Biekford, and they have a son and a daughter. He is a member of the M. E. Church; is a Republican, and has been Road Commis- sioner. He owns 281 acres of well-improved land. Like his highly- respected father, Mr. C. maintains a high standing in the com- munity for industry, integrity, etc.
M. L. Clark was born in New York in 1837, son of Henry and Sarah Clark. Being left alone in the world at an early age his advantages for education and a good start in life were rather lim- ited; but, contrary to the general rule, he has been steady, remaining at one place, namely, with Mr. Albert T. Cloud, who certifies to the high character of our subjeet. Mr. Clark, in 1865, married Nannie Summers, and their two children are Lawrence R. and William Linn. Mrs. C. is a member of the Christian Church, and he is a Democrat, and has been School Director three years. He has been remarkably successful in business, being a farmer and general trader. He ran a store in Carthage; a lumberyard one year about the close of the war, and has dealt in dry goods and groceries in Denver nearly four years. He is now a dealer in grain at Denver and two other stations, and is prosperous. He came to St. Mary's tp., this county, in 1842. His life has been a peculiar one.
W. O. Couchman, farmer, sec. 11; P. O., Bentley; was born in Clarke county, Mo., in 1838, and is the son of M. and Delia (White) Couchman; parents of German and Irish descent, natives of Kentucky, the former of Bourbon county and the latter of Car- roll county. The subject of this notice was brought to this county by his parents in 1843, where he received his education in the com- mon schools. In 1868 he married Eliza Metealf, and their three children are all living. Mrs. C. is a member of the M. E. Church. Mr. C. is a prominent member of the I. O. O. F. He has traveled considerably, especially in the West, among the mountains. He owns a well-improved farm. His father has been County Judge,
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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
Sheriff, etc., and has taken a prominent part in the welfare of the county. He is still living.
Samuel Dickinson, farmer, sec. 2; P. O., Bentley; was born in Queen county, Ireland, in 1819, and is the son of Thomas and Jane (Deveral) Dickinson, natives also of Erin's Green Isle. He has at- tended school but three months in his life, but can read and write with ease. He was brought to America when 13 years of age, and to this county when 17. He is now 61. He has lived in this county nearly all the time since 1832. He was in Carthage the day Joe Smith was killed, and was one of the guards to the jail, being re- dieved just before the mob came. He was opposed to that style of doing things. His first marriage was to Martha Johnson in 1845, and of their 4 children only one is living. Mrs. D. died in 1851 or '52, and he married again in 1855, Nancy Atchinson, a pioneer's daughter. Her father is a liberal, high-minded gentleman, and a well-known Democrat, and is still living in St. Mary's tp. Mr. D. and wife are both members of the M. E. Church, and they have 3 sons and 2 daughters. Mr. D. owns 311 acres of choice land. He has seen many changes in the history of the county since his arrival here. He helped to build the first jail in the county. He was formerly a Whig, but is now a Democrat. He has been Road Com- missioner, Commissioner of Highways and School Director several years. Is still, and always will be, interested in school matters.
Samuel R. Fleming, farmer, see. 28; P. O., Denver; was born March 5, 1835, in Delaware, and is the son of William and Eliza Fleming, natives of Ireland, but mother of English ancestry. He was brought by his parents in 1838, to this county. settling in Plymouth. He was educated in the common schools here, and brought up in the farmer's life that is characteristic of the West. In 1865 he married Miss Sarah J., daughter of Samuel Ramsey, a native of this county. They have 6 children, all living. Mr. F. owns 400 acres of land; is not in debt, and raises and sells stoek to some extent. In early days he broke prairie with an ox team; ran a threshing-machine seven years, and as a consequence of pioneer discipline he has been successful. Mr. and Mrs. F. are members of the Christian Church in Denver.
John E. Gerdes, farmer and stock-raiser, sec. 18; P. O., Bent- ley; was born in Germany Feb. 3, 1823. In 1850 he was married in Germany, and has had 2 children, both girls; the eldest died when only six months old; the other, Rachel, was born in 1856, married in 1874 to Hiram Jurjens, and they have had 4 children, 3 of whom are living. Her husband died in April, 1880. Mr. Gerdes lost his companion the same month and his daughter is now keeping house for him. He owns 425 acres of land, most of it in good cul- tivation. Lutherans. Democrats.
Hiram Geren, farmer, see. 29; P. O., Denver; was born in Knox county, Tenn., in 1825, and is the son of Hiram and Celia Ann (Sumpter) Geren, natives also of Tennessee, and of French descent;
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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
was educated in the common schools of Indiana; he has been twice married, but both wives are dead. His first wife left 4 children, 3 of whom are married; the second wife left one child, a son. He and both his wives were members of the Adventist Church. He came to this county, Nov. 15, 1848, settling in Chili tp. As a farmer he has been successful, being a hard-working man, attend- ing strictly to his own business. He owns 205 acres of good land; is a Democrat.
Truman Hecox, proprietor of the Denver House, was born in New York, June 21, 1798; his parents, Truman and Sallie (Hos- ford) Hecox, were natives of Kentucky and of English descent; was raised on a farm, but is able to do many kinds of mechanical work, -wagon-making, carpentering, etc. In 1822 he married Martha R. Quinby, and they have had 5 children, 2 of whom are living. He located in Hancock county in 1836. He is a regular Jackson Democrat, has been Constable, School Director and Trustee.
Eden Hopkins, deceased, was born in Virginia in 1833, and is of English descent; he came to Hancock county about 1855. In 1858 he married Emeline Cox, who was born in this county, and they have 3 children, all living. Mr. Hopkins was brought up on a farm, and followed farming and stock-raising on sec. 1 in Har- mony tp. Mr. H. enlisted in the 118th Ill. Vol. Inf .; was enrolled March 17, 1865, and was discharged the following October. He died of diseases contracted in the army, in 1866; was a Baptist. Polit- ically he was a Republican. His sons manage the farm. Mrs. H. is the owner of 183 acres of land. The children are: Ernest E., born July 7, 1860; Edgar Carlton, March 9, 1862; Isaac Eden, April 12, 1864.
William James, deceased, was born in Indiana in 1834; was a farmer all his life; in 1855 he came to Hancock, and in 1859 he married Mary Wack, who was born in New Jersey, March 5, 1849, of German-English descent; her great-grandfather was a preacher. and preached in Geo. Washington's army, in the forenoon in the English language, and in the afternoon in German. Mr. and Mrs. James had 3 children, 2 boys and one girl. Both members of the M. E. Church. He was also a Democrat. Since her husband's death Mrs. J. has carried on the farm very successfully.
Rev. Thomas Jones, farmer, sec. 15; P. O., Bentley ; was born in East Tennessee, in 1811; his parents, James and Nancy (Butler) Jones, were natives of the South, the former of Welsh and the latter of English descent; he was raised on a farm, and has plowed every year of his life since he was 11 years old. Aug. 13, 1830, he married Harriet C. Haggard, a native also of Tennessee, and they have raised 14 children. One son was killed in the Rebellion; 2 daughters died since their marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Jones have been members of the Primitive Baptist Church 54 years. He was ordained in 1853 by Revs. Jacob Castlebury, Joel G. Williams and Geo. Walker. He has preached 36 years; has had charge of the Middle Creek 28 years, and is still their Pastor. In Tennessee he
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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
was Captain of the militia three years, and was then promoted Major, which position he held until he came to Illinois in 1851 and settled in Harmony tp. Has been successful as a farmer and is the owner of 100 acres of land. He has been Supervisor one term, but will not have any office. He is a Democrat.
Wiley Jones, farmer, sec. 15; was born in Tennessee April 3, 1834; his parents, James and Nancy (Butler) Jones, are natives of the south; he was first married to Polly Jenkins, and they had 3 children; only one, a daughter, is living, and is the wife of James T. Tucker, of this county. His second wife was Mary Jane Tum- mons, and four of their five children are living. Mrs. J. is a good cook, and the family seems to be a happy one. Mr. J. owns 172} acres of land on sec. 15. He came to this county in 1850, settling six miles north of Carthage. In 1854 he worked out by the month for $180 per annum. His father gave him about $800, but his house was afterward burned down and he had to commence again without anything. He votes the Democratic ticket, and does not want any office.
Robert M. Kimbrough was born in this county April 20, 1844; his parents, William and Martha B. (Canthorn) Kimbrough, were natives of Kentucky. Jan. 19, 1871, he married Almera Bryant, a native of this county, and they have had one son and one dangh- ter. Mrs. K's parents were natives of Virginia. Mr. K. is a Democrat; is a School Director. Mrs. K. owns 22S acres of land, and they reside on sec. 1, raising stock, etc. P. O., Middle Creek.
T. J. Lionberger, farmer, sec. 24; P. O., Bentley; was born in Virginia Dec. 2, 1825, the 6th child of a family of 9 children, all living; his parents, Abraham and Anna (Koontz) L. were natives of Virginia, and came to Hancock county in 1837. T. J., obtained his education in the cabin subscription schools of his time. In 1850 he married Sarah Tracy, daughter of Elder Geo. Tracy; she died in 1877; 7 of their 11 children are living. In 1878 he married Eliza- beth Miller, and they have one child. Mr. L. has seen as many as 37 deer in one drove, as he came here in pioneer days. He started withont money or property, and is now the owner of 446 acres of land, worth $60 per acre. In politics he is a Democrat. His wife is a member of the M. E. Church.
John McAllister, farmer and stock-raiser, sec. 1; was born in Ireland in 1848; his parents, James and Barbara (Humphrey) McA., were also natives of the Emerald Isle; in 1860 he married Mary Cal- lister, and they have one son and two daughters. He came to this county in 1861. Now owns 90 acres of choice land. Is a Demo- crat; has been Steward of the M. E. Church, of which he and his wife are members.
James Mc Anulty, farmer, sec. 12; P. O., Bentley; was born in Ohio Feb. 23, 1830; his parents. Wmn. and Thursy (McFarlin) Mc- Anulty, were natives of Ohio and of Scottish descent, who came to Adams county, Ill., in 1832; James came to Hancock county in 1855 and settled on sec. 12, where he has lived ever since. Feb. 1,
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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
1852, near Camp Point, he married Susan Robertson, daughter of James Robertson, an early settler of that county. She is a native of Illinois, and her parents are of German ancestry. They have had 7 children, 5 boys and 2 girls. Mr. McAnulty's father was ยป in the Mormon war, sickened and died in Carthage from the effects of exposure. Mr. McA. owns 140 acres of well-improved . land, and is one of the leading farmers in this section of the county. He raises a car-load of cattle almost every year.
E. Mc Clure, merchant and Postmaster at Denver; was born in St. Mary's tp., this county, in 1847; his parents were Thomas and Mary E. (Samuel) McClure, father of Scotch descent, and a native of Kentucky, and mother of Polish ancestry and native of Virginia ; he was educated in the common school, and also attended Abing- don and Knox Colleges. He married Mary Scott, and 2 of their 3 children are living. Mrs. McC. is a member of the Adventist Church. Mr. McClure enlisted in Co. A, 137th Ill. Vol. Inf. ; was under ex-Gov. Wood, who was Colonel of the regiment. He came to this tp. in 1872. Has taught school three terms. Is noted for his genial and obliging manner, and is a Republican.
Thomas W. Orton. farmer and stock-raiser, sec. 33; P. O., Denver; was born in Kentucky in 1831. His parents, Thomas and Mary (Ashby) Orton, are also natives of Kentucky, father of Irish and mother of Scotch descent. He came to this county in 1854, and in 1858 he married Eleanor V. Browning, and they are the parents of 2 children. He owns 190 acres of land, 160 of which are under a high state of cultivation. He and his wife are members of the Christian Church. He is a Democrat.
Enoch Ramsey, farmer and dealer in stock, etc., sec. 34; P. O. Denver; was born in Clarke county, Ind., in 1824. His father, Samnel Ramsey, was a native of Kentucky, and his mother, Eleanor (Kine) Ramsey, was a native of North Carolina, and of German descent. He emigrated to this county in 1836. He has been remarkably successful in business; owns 1,840 acres of land in this State, most of which is very choice and is largely stocked. He owns considerable town property, and is also a money-lender to a great extent. He pays as much tax as any man in the county, if not more. He seldom has any trouble in business; is a happy and contented man. He was heir to 160 acres of land, worth, at the time, $10 an acre. The rest of his property he has made himself. In 1853 he married, and of his 7 children 3 are living. His son is a merchant in Denver, doing a good business. He has been Super- visor two terms, School Director and Township Treasurer for 20 years, and School Treasurer and Collector. He is a Democrat.
Amos R. Robertson is a man of medium height, and weighs 140 pounds, is quick in movement and wears a genial sunshine upon his countenance, which betokens his natural good humor. He assumes a plain, business-like appearance, and allows none to sur- pass him in neatness; neither in his dress nor in dispatching his business. Although young in years, he is the oldest settler in the
Geo Mr. Browning In HARMONY T.P.
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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
town of Bentley, where he now resides. . He was born at Camp Point, Adams county, Ill., in 1842. His father, James Robertson, is still living at that place. He is a Hoosier by birth, and has spent the most of his life in farming. He married Eliza Downing, for- merly a resident of Virginia, who is a lady much respected in her community for her liberality and Christian virtues. The subject of this sketch was educated in the graded schools, and began business early in life, in his native town. Since his removal to this county, 15 years ago, he has been in the employ of the T., W. & W. Rail- road Company, where he is still engaged. He has generally been successful in his business, and has accumulated a reasonable share of real estate in the way of a small farm, town property, etc. Among business men he is counted the best financier in the tp. He has also been Postmaster, Town Clerk, Collector, etc. At the age of 18 he married Miss Sarah A. Browning. Neither he nor his wife is a member of any particular denomination, yet they are hearty supporters of public morals, and make the Churches feel that they are their. true friends, if not members. They have 4 children living,-Idella, Ollie, Walter and George. Mr. R. makes home comforts and happiness a chief item of his social life, as any one can see. In social circles Mr. Robertson is counted the most hand- some man, and in politics the most "contrary" one, being a staunch Democrat.
S. G. Rook, farmer and stock-raiser, sec. 34; P. O., Denver; was born in North Carolina in 1819. His father, Stephen Rook, was a native of Maryland, and his mother, Charlotte (Couch) Rook was a native of North Carolina. In 1842 and 1844 he came to Illinois, settling in McDonough county; in 1849 he went to California, where he remained two years; in 1854 he settled in this county on sec. 34. He has been married three times; his third wife was Mary McCoy, whom he married in 1855; they have had 8 children, of whom 3 boys and 2 girls are living. The family are Methodists. He owns 520 acres of land, most of which is in good cultivation. When he first settled in Illinois he had but $54.25. He attributes a large share of his success to his wife. Her mother, who was born in 1789, is living with them. The children are receiving a collegiate education.
Harm Rosenboom, farmer, was born in Germany in 1845; in 1873 he married Mary Klatenberg. Their 2 children are Tonjes and Jans. He owns 50 acres of good land. He came to Hancock county in 1870; is a Lutheran, and in politics a Democrat.
Moses Scott, farmer, sec. 25; P. O., Denver; was born in Ken- tucky, Feb. 2, 1816. His parents, William and Mary (Ryle) Scott, were also natives of Kentucky, father of Scotch-Irish descent, and mother's parents were natives of North Carolina. Oct. 20, 1836, he married Harriet Rice, a native of Kentucky. They have had 13 children, of whom 7 are living, and are all married; there are 14 grandchildren. They came to Hancock county in 1850 and settled on sec. 25, this tp. He owns 320 acres of land, most of which is in
36
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IIISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
high cultivation ; he has a good, substantial residence. Mrs. Scott is a member of the Missionary Baptist Church. Mr. Scott used to be a Whig, and now votes for men, not party.
Perry A. Scott, farmer, sec. 22; P. O., Denver; was born in Kentucky Oct. 27, 1846. His parents, Moses and Harriet (Rice) Scott, were natives also of Kentucky, and of German descent. He came to this county in 1849. He was married by Rev. Mr. Stark, in Augusta, Oct. 1, 1874, to Miss Hattie Browning, a native of this county, and their 2 children are Sir Walter, born Sept. 1, 1875; Mattie Iva, July 9, 1878. Mr. Scott belongs to the Missionary Baptist Church, and Mrs. S. to the Christian Church. Mr. S. ran a threshing machine for five years ; owns 86 acres of good land; is a Republican.
Abraham Shoup, farmer, sec. 10; P. O .. Bentley; was born in Pennsylvania April 27, 1808. His parents. Michael and Mary (Keller) Shoup, were also natives of the Keystone State, and of Ger- man-English descent. He came to Fulton county, Ill., in 1837, settling in Canton, and came to Carthage in 1851; he lived within one mile of Carthage 16 years, and then moved to his present resi- dence. He has been twice married; his first wife died in 1842, leaving 6 children; his second wife was Sarah E. Patterson; they have 10 children. He owns 1723 acres of well-improved land. He has been School Director, Trustee and Commissioner of Highways; is a Democrat.
William A. Vance, farmer and stock-raiser, Denver, was born in Pennsylvania April 18, 1835. His parents, Joseph and Jane (Cook) Vance, were also natives of that State, and.of English an- cestry. He emigrated to this county in 1854 and settled in Chili tp .; in 1871 he moved to his present home. In 1862 he married Lydia Dick, who was also a native of the Keystone State. Of their 5 children 2 boys are living-Sherman Dick, 13 years old, and Thomas Cook, 7 years old. In 1864 he enlisted in the 36th Ill. Inf. and served one year, being engaged in several battles; he was dis- charged at Springfield. He owns 465 acres of land, mostly prairie. He has been School Director, and is a Republican; he is a man who attends to his own business, refraining from public dictation and political prominence.
Simeon B. Walton, farmer, was born in Kentucky Nov. 9, 1818; his parents, Wm. and Barbara Walton, were natives of Virginia, and father of Welsh descent. He emigrated to this county in 1840, settling on sec. 13. Jan. 20, 1842, he married Elizabeth Stark, a native of Scotland, and they have 7 children, all living and married. Both Mr. and Mrs. W. belong to the Christian Church. He used to be a Whig, and is now a Republican; he has been Highway Commissioner and School Director several terms, and has been elected to other offices which he would not accept. He owns 280 acres of well-improved land; he gave 5 of his children 80 acres of land and the other 2, $2,500 apiece.
William C. Walton, farmer, sec. 27; P. O., Denver; was born
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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
in this county Aug. 15, 1844; his father, F. M. Walton, was a native of Kentucky, who died April 10, 1880, in Augusta tp .; his mother is living; her maiden name was Emily Rice, and her parents were also natives of Kentucky. Feb. 14, 1867, married Mary C. Clark, and their 3 children are, Frederick M., Emily Ann and an infant. Both the parents belong to the Missionary Baptist Church. Mr. W. owns 200 acres of good land, well improved, 40 acres being timber. Republican.
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