USA > Illinois > Hancock County > History of Hancock County, Illinois, together with an outline history of the State, and a digest of State laws > Part 65
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James W. Carlton, M. D., was born in Grant county, Ky., in 1835; is son of George W. and Maranda Tull, both natives of that State, who emigrated to Illinois in 1842, and settled in Beards- town, Cass county. Two years afterward they removed to this county, and settled in St. Alban's tp., where Mr. C. engaged in farming and resided until 1859, when he made a permanent home in Carthage tp., where he now lives. The subject of this sketch received his early education at the Academic School, at New- town, Kentucky, was a merchant a few years, attended med- ical lectures in 1859 and '60, at the medical department of the State University, at Keokuk, at which institution he was grad- nated in 1865; was also a graduate of the Missouri Medical Col- lege, at St. Louis, Mo., in 1869. He began the practice of medi- cine in 1864, in Harmony tp., where he was located eight years, then settled in this city, where he has since been in constant prac- tice. He was married in 1859 to Miss N. J. Hendricks, daughter of John Hendricks, and a native of Grant county, Ky. To this union 3 children have been born, all of whom are living; Eva M., Willie O. and Lelia M. The Dr. enjoys a well established prac- tice, and is one of the oldest and ablest practitioners in the county, as well as an early settler. Politically, is a Democrat.
O. P. Carlton, grocer, established in 1863, on west side of the square, where he carried on business for three years; was appointed Deputy Circuit Clerk, and filled that office for eight years, when he opened his present place of business. He carries a stock of $2,000 and has a lucrative trade. He came to this county with his parents, George W. and Maranda (Tull) Carlton, who emigrated to this county in 1840, where his mother died in 1858. His father is still a living resident of this county. Mr. C. was married in 1867 to Miss Lucy Hendricks, a native of Kentucky, by whom he has 2 children, Carrie and Charlie P. He is a member of the A. O. U. W., and politically is Democratic.
Charles G. Clark, firm of Clark & Co., grain and lumber dealers, was born in Otsego county, N. Y., in 1820; is son of Charles J. and Rachel (Kaple) Clark, natives of New York, where the father died at an early day. The mother is still living in this city in the 81st year of her age. Mr. C. was married in 1846, to Miss Mary Andrews, a native of Otsego county, N. Y. He first 'studied for the law in his native State, was admitted to the Bar in 1846, and
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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
practiced his profession in Schoharie and Jamestown from 1855 to 1863. He came to this county in 1863 to settle the estate of a deceased uncle, Benjamin Clark, who settled in this county in 1840. Mr. C. became engaged in the grain business in 1865, and the lumber trade in 1867. In 1873 he erected the large and commo- dious elevator, and the firm, consisting of himself and his only 2 living children, Edward and Charles, carry on a large and success- ful trade. He is also largely engaged in the agricultural pursuit, owning farming lands of 2,000 acres to which he is devoting time and attention; is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and in politics is Republican.
James B. Crawford, farmer, sec. 30; P. O., Carthage; was born in Rock Castle county, Ky., in March, 1836; is youngest child of Harrison and Alice (Thompson) Crawford, natives of that State, who emigrated to this county in the spring of 1850, and settled on the homestead of their surviving son. Mr. C. was a blacksmith by trade, and engaged a portion of his time in that business during " his residence here. The farm was all prairie at that time, and the subject of this sketch (then a boy) turned over the first sod in this tp. His mother died in 1865, and his father survived until 1870. Mr. C. was married in 1858, to Miss Josephine Davis, a native of Butler county, O. To this union 9 children were born, 6 of whom are living,-Alice C., Lizzie H., Nellie, Eva, Edward C. and Jose- phine; deceased are Joplin, James E. and Edith. Edward and Edith were twins, as also were James E. and Josephine. Of his father's family there were 4 children: Margaret, wife of Thomas Hill; Josiah J., died Nov., 1856; Elizabeth, wife of Charles R. Sco- field. Josiah was a graduate of the McDowell Medical College, St. Louis, and practiced here until his death, and was among the lead- ing and early physicians of this county. The homestead farm con- sists of 60 acres, valued at $50 per acre. Mr. C. is a member of A. O. U. W., and of the Christian Church. Politically is Demo- cratic, and numbers among those of the early settlers, and is well and favorably known throughout the town and county.
James N. Currens, boots and shoes; this house was established in August, 1878, in present location; carries a stock of $3,500, and has a good trade. Mr. C. is a native of Adams county, Penn., where he was born in 1856. His parents are Charles M. and Eliza (Randolph) Currens, both natives of that State, who emigrated to Illinois in 1860, and settled in Plymonth, where Mrs. C. died in 1862. He is yet living at that place. The subject of this sketch was married March 25, 1880, to Miss Josie, daughter of J. W. Hawley, of this city. He is a member of the A. O. U. W., and of the Presbyterian Church, and is one of the rising young business men of Carthage. Politically, is a Republican.
Dwight C. Cutler, druggist, book and news dealer, succeeded A. F. Sims in this business in 1874; carries a stock of $4,000 and enjoys a good trade. Mr. C. is a native of Erie county, N. Y., where he was born in 1848. His parents were Albert and Permelia
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Cutler, natives of that State, who emigrated to this county in 1869, and settled in this city, where they are yet living. The subject of this sketch has been engaged in the book business ever since his coming to the county. He was married in 1875 to Miss Elizabeth Showers, a native of Ohio. To them have been born 3 children,- Elsy, Homer and the youngest, not yet christened. Mr. C. filled the office of Town Clerk two terms, and is a member of the A. O. U. W. Politically he is Democratic.
Nathan Cutler, farmer, sec. 28; P. O., Carthage; was born in Erie county, N. Y., in 1819; is son of Jonas P. and Martha (Jones). Cutler, natives of Vermont, who emigrated to Illinois in 1838, and settled in Canton, Fulton county. In 1852 they moved to this county, and settled in Pilot Grove tp., where Mr. C. died in 1858. The subject of this sketch was married in 1844 to Miss Hannah Ward, a native of Pennsylvania, and daughter of Aaron Ward, who settled in Fulton county in 1828. By this marriage 4 children have been born, all of whom are living. Parkurst W., eldest son, married Fannie G. Barker. . The fruits of this union are 2 children, Nathan B. and Ward A. James C. married Mary A. Barker, and they had one child, Francis G .; also an adopted child, Nellie. Frances N. and Martha C. The two wives and mothers, are daughters of Augustus Barker, of Iowa, deceased. They are both natives of Ohio. The mother, Catherine Barker, is living in this tp. Mr. C. and his sons reside on the estate, consisting of 700 acres of valuable and productive land. He was the eldest of 11 children, 10 of whom are living. He was left without means, and his accu- mulations have been secured only by his own industry and energy. The family are members of the Baptist Church.
William P. Damron, a native of Pendleton county Va., where he was born March 7, 1833, is a son of George H. and Jane (Lyon) Damron, natives of that State, who emigrated to Hancock county in 1855, and settled in Bear Creek tp., where they both died in 1859. The subject of this sketeh engaged in farming until elected to his present position as Sheriff in 1878. He enlisted in 1861 in the 18th Ill. Vol. Inf., and served until the close of the war. The following year he was married to Miss Catherine E. Seger, a native of New Jersey. To this union 2 children have been born, Lena L. and William H. Mr. D. has been prominently identified with the interests of the county for many years; was first elected Constable, and afterward served five times as Supervisor, Justice of the Peace, Assessor, Collector and School Director, most of the time during his residence in the county. Also, is a prominent member of the Masonic order. In politics he is a Democrat.
James Monroe Davidson, editor of The Carthage Republican, was born in Madison county, Ill., on May 22, 1828. He came with his parents to the town of Petersburg, then in Sangamon, now Menard, county, in 1833. From thence the family removed to Lewistown, Fulton county, in 1838. He served a period of appren- ticeship to the printing business in Lewistown during the years
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1843-'4; and in 1845, in connection with another young man, a year or two older than himself, started a newspaper called The Fulton Gazette, the publication of which was continued some 12 or 14 months. He then read law during the year or two following. He was engaged by employment in a newspaper enterprise in Canton, in the same county, from some time in 1847 to 1848.
Mr. Davidson was married to Miss Susan Candace Springer at Springfield, Illinois, on Nov. 28, 1853. Twelve children were born to this marriage, of whom 11 are living. 5 sons and 6 daughters.
In 1855 Mr. Davidson established The Fulton Democrat, at Lewis- town, Ill. In the fall of 1859 he sold the paper to his brother, William T. Davidson, Esq., its present able proprietor. During the winter following, he was employed as Legisative correspondent, at Spring- field, for the St. Louis Republican and Chicago Times. From the fall of 1859 to some time in 1861 he published the Squatter Sover- eign, at Havana, Mason county. During a part of 1862 he was connected with the Chicago Times, as traveling correspondent, and for a short time as telegraph editor.
In Sept., 1863, he purchased an assumed control of The Carthage Republican, and has since continued its proprietor and editor.
William De Hart, farmer, sec. 9; P. O., Carthage; is a native of Whitby tp., Upper Canada, where he was born in 1828. He came to this county in 1838, with his parents, Thomas and Rebecca (McCausland) DeHart, both natives of that Dominion, who settled in Pilot Grove tp. In 1850 the father crossed the plains to California, where he died the same year. The wife and mother died at Pilot Grove in 1874. The subject of this sketch was married in 1858 to Miss Mary Hillegoss, a native of Indiana. To this union 9 children have been born, 7 of whom are living: Charles, the eldest son, is a student of law in the office of Schofield & Edmunds of this city, and a graduate of Carthage College in 1877; Emma, Martha, Ellen, George, William and Carrie. Mr. D. moved to this tp. in 1870 and settled on his present estate, consisting of 500 acres, valued at $40 per acre. He also owns the homestead at Pilot Grove, of one section, and other lands, constituting a grand total of 1,040 acres. He is probably the largest landholder in Hancock county. IIis opportunities for education were such as could be afforded the children of pioneer settlers. His fine and convenient residence at Fairview is a monument to his industry and his success. Politically, he used to be an old-line Whig, and is now a Republican.
E. T. Dorothy, livery-stable keeper, is the son of Archibald and Sarahı (Perkins) Dorothy, natives of Kentucky and Tennessee. His mother was a daughter of Ephraim Perkins, who settled in this county in 1826. She is a living resident of this township, in the 63d year of her age. Archibald Dorothy settled in MeDonough county in 1836, before township organization. He was a farmer and a prominent stock-dealer of that county. In 1854 he moved to this county and settled in this township, where he died in 1863.
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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
He was widely and favorably known throughout the county. The subject of this sketch resided on the farm until he opened his pres- ent place of business in April, 1879. He has a good stock of horses and carriages, and enjoys a good trade. He was married in 1868 to Miss Augusta, daughter of David Baxter, a native of this county. Two children are the fruits of this marriage, Stella and Archie. Mr. D. owns the homestead farm in this township, of 160 acres, valued at $75 per acre. He is a member of the I. O. M. A., and a living relic of the Hancock pioneer family.
John S. Duffy, farmer, sec. 30; P. O., Carthage; is the son of Anthony and Matilda (Spangler) Duffy, and was born in Hancock county in 1842. His parents were both born in Pennsylvania, and they came to this county in 1833. He entered and purchased land, and is one of the oldest living settlers of the county. The subject of this sketch moved to this township in 1868, and the following year located on his present farm of 80 acres valued at $40 per acre. He was married in 1871 to Miss Lydia, daughter of David Barr, an early settler of Fountain Green township, who died in Kansas while on a visit to that State. She was a native of Mercer county, Pa. Mr. D. enlisted in 1862 and served until the close of the war. He participated in the battles of Arkansas Post, siege of Vicks- burg, Yazoo River, Port Gibson, Champion Hills, Jackson and all the battles of that regiment. He is a member of the A. O. U. W., and in politics is a Republican.
Prof. L. F. M. Easterday, A. M., of Carthage College. Levi Fast Easterday was born near the town of York, of Yellow Creek, in Knox tp., Jefferson county, O., Oct. 21, 1839. He is the second in a family of 9 children, all of whom with parents are living. . His father was born in Jefferson county, O., Oct. 19, 1813. His grandfather, Christian, was born in Maryland Oct. 18, 1789. His great-grandfather, Martin, at about the age of six years, and between the years 1760 and 1770, was brought by his father Martin, from Alsace, Germany, to Maryland. The name of the family while in Germany was Ostertag, but it was Anglicised after their removal to this country. The mother of Prof. Easterday, whose maiden name was Jane Robertson, was born in Jefferson county, O., Aug. 8, 1816. From his mother Prof. E. derives both Irish and Scotch blood, but from his father only German. The subject of this sketch was reared upon a farm, and taught to labor dili- gently with his hands. When 12 years of age the family removed to Illinois and settled upon a farm in Montgomery county. He had the ordinary educational advantages as afforded at country schools at that time. He was sent to college a few weeks before he attained the age of 19 years, and at the age of 23 years graduated with honor at a college then known as the Illinois State University, Springfield, Ill. Having in his student life exhibited a fondness for and special success in the study of mathematics, and also an aptness in teaching, on the day of his graduation he was elected to the professorship of mathematics in his own alma mater. Find-
M.H. Maier
CARTHAGE
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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
ing this institution could not be sustained on account of a lack of funds, at the end of the fourth year he withdrew. He then accepted the principalship of the Hillsboro Academy, at Hills- boro, Ill. He managed this for two years, beginning with 17 pupils and enrolling during the second year the names of 164. In the summer of 1870, he was called to the principalship of a classical school preparatory to a prospective Carthage College, at Carthage, Ill. He first entered Carthage on the morning of August 18, 1870, and by September 5 this school was opened with an attendance of 12 students. For two years he was alone in this new enterprise. On the organization of a faculty for the college, three years after- ward, he was made Professor of Mathematics and Astronomy in the institution. This position he still holds. After the death of his co-laborer, President Tressler, he was made treasurer of this col- lege. He received the degree of A. B. on his graduation, and the degree of A. M. was conferred upon him two years later by the board of trustees of the same institution. In June, 1874, the board of trustees of Pennsylvania College at Gettysburg, Pa., con- ferred upon him the honorary degree of A. M. Prof. Easterday was married to Miss Abbie Warren Hunsaker, of Carthage, Ill., on the evening of August 18, 1874. To this union 3 sons have been born, Fred Ralph, Phil Rufus and Cad Roy. Blessed with an excellent constitution and corresponding energy, coupled with mirthfulness, the Professor has the reputation of a hard-worker in both physical and mental development. He has done much toward the success of Carthage College, and his ability and success is fully attested by the universal confidence and respect of his fel- low-citizens.
John W. Everett, merchant, was born in Franklin county, Pa., Dec. 9, 1839, son of John and Lydia (Neusbaun) Everett, both na- tives of that State, where she died in 1880. He is still a resident of that county. The subject of this sketch enlisted Aug. 20, 1862, in the 126th Pa. Vol. Inf., nine months' service, and participated in the battles of Bull Run, Antietam, Fredericksburg and Chancel- lorsville, and served 10 months. He re-enlisted as first-class pri- vate of Capt. O. H. Howard's detachment of the Signal Service, U. S. A., Feb. 27, 1864, and discharged Aug. 3d, 1865. He displayed all the qualities of a good soldier at the battles of New Market, Piedmont, Lexington, Lynchburg, Fisher's Hill, Cedar Creek, Waynesboro', Dinwiddie C. H., Five Forks, Tailor's Creek, Appo- mattox Station and C. H., and was the only person not a general officer that was present at Lee's surrender. In May, 1866, he came to this county and engaged in the mercantile trade at Foun- tain Green until 1875, when he moved to this city and established himself on the Public Square. In 1878 he occupied his present place, where he has since been engaged. He carries a stock of $6,000 and enjoys a lucrative trade. He was married in June, 1868, to Miss Sarah Stark, a native of Franklin Co., Pa., where she was born April 8, 1843, and died in this city Sept. 19, 1877. Mr.
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E. has been identified as Supervisor, is a member of the A. O. U. W., and a member of the Presbyterian Church. Politically he is a Republican.
Hiram G. Ferris is a son of Stephen Gano Ferris, and was born in Steuben county, N. Y., in 1822. He was educated at Knox Col- lege, Ill .; after completing his studies there in 1850, he crossed the plains to California, where he attained considerable prominence in politics. In the winter of 1851-'2 he was appointed by the Legis- lature of the State of California as one of the commissioners to or- ganize the connty of Siskiyou. After serving on this commission until their work was finished, he was elected County Clerk of that county, in which capacity he served for two terms. In 1856 he returned to this county (Hancock). Having previously read and studied law, he made application to the Supreme Court of Illinois for admission to the " Bar," which, after undergoing an examina- tion by that honorable 'court, was granted. Soon afterward, Mr. Ferris formed a partnership with Hooker & Edmunds, Att'ys, at Carthage, under the firm name of Ferris, Hooker & Edmunds. This firm was dissolved in 1863, and the business continued by Ferris & Hooker. In 1864 this firm was also dissolved, Mr. Fer- ris continuing the same until 1865. During this year he associ- ated himself with F. M. Corby, and organized a banking institu- tion, the firm being Ferris & Corby. They were also largely in- terested in real estate transactions.
This banking institution formed the nucleus of what is now "The Hancock County National Bank, of Carthage," which was organized under certificate of authority dated May 18, 1865, by the Comptroller of Currency at Washington, D. C. The institution opened its doors for business as a national bank June 5, 1865. Mr. Ferris was at once elected President of this bank, continuing to hold the position to the present time. This bank is considered one of the most solid and substantial in the country, having passed through all the panies with credit unimpaired. Its officers have the unlimited confidence of the people in all transactions. The bank building is situated on the northwest corner of the Public Square in Carthage. It is a substantial brick structure and was built in 1871.
Mr. Ferris is a Royal Arch Mason and Knight Templar, and has been a member of the Masonic order since January, 1850. While in California he was Senior Grand Deacon of the Grand Lodge of the State for one year. He has also held the office of Master of Hancock Lodge No. 20, of Carthage, of the A. F. & A. M., at dif- ferent times, collectively making about five years. In politics, Mr. Ferris entertains the views and principles represented by the Demo- cratic party, and during the "war " of Secession, was firm in sup- porting the Union cause, using his influence and his means for the speedy crushing of the Rebellion. Mr. Ferris has served four terms as President of the Board of Trustees of the town of Car- thage, being elected on the anti-license ticket; and has also served
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as Supervisor, and has had various other local offices, having re- ceived nominations from each political party.
Mr. Ferris was married in McDonough connty, Ill., Aug. 20. 1857. to Miss Julia E. Holton, a native of that county. They now reside at Carthage, and are surrounded by a family of 9 children: Junius C., a graduate of Carthage College, and now attending Columbia College, N. Y .: Esta M., Stephen H., Julia, Ellen, Phoebe, Hiram B., Joel E. and Harold G.
J. M. Ferris, Justice of the Peace, was born in Chenango county, N. Y., in 1816; is the oldest son of Stephen Gano Ferris, who was born in Hillsdale, Columbia county, N. Y., Aug. 11, 1758, and Eunice (Beebe) Ferris, a native of New London, Conn., who emigrated to Hancock in 1832, landing at Traders' Point, now Keokuk, in December of that year. The family, consisting of his wife and 6 children, landed on the Illinois shore opposite Keokuk, Dec. 13, 1832, and made a settlement in Lick Grove, now Fountain Green, where he opened a farm and resided until 1846, when he sold his estate and made his home with his son in this city. He died at Fountain Green Nov. 29, 1876. He was one of the earliest pioneers of Hancock, and left a wide circle of friends to mourn his loss. The subject of this sketch resided at home until 21 years of age, when he began the practice of law. He has been Justice of the Peace 15 or 20 years, County Judge & years, and has made his home in this city since 1852, in which year he was married to Miss Lavina White, a native of Alleghany county, N. Y. To them have been born 3 children: Ella (wife of J. M. Davidson), Maggie and Frank L. Mr. F. is one of the oldest professional lawyers in the county, and one of the oldest living pioneers. Politically he is a Republican, and strong in the endorsement of the principles governing that party, and is solid for Grant as President of the Republic.
Stephen Gano Ferris .- This gentleman, whose portrait is given on another page (from a photograph taken at the age of 86), was widely known throughout this and adjoining counties as one of the earliest pioneer settlers in this part of the State. His history will not be without interest to the present reader, or those of the far future, especially as to the methods of travel from the Eastern States to the West, and some of the characteristics of frontier life.
Stephen Gano Ferris was born in the town of Hillsdale, Columbia county, N. Y., Aug. 11, 1785. At the age of four years he accom- panied his father's family in their removal to North Norwich, Che- nango county, N. Y., then a frontier county and quite sparsely settled. Here in the course of time he learned the tanner and carrier's trade, and followed that business until his father removed to Yates county, N. Y., probably 1810 or 1812. On Ang. 11, 1814, (the 23d anniversary of his birth) he was married to Miss Eunice Beebe, in Chenango county, N. Y. About the year 1520 he re- moved to the town of Howard, Steuben county, N. Y., which was then a frontier county. Here he remained until the spring of 1532,
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when, pursuant to an arrangement between himself and his brother- in-law, Mr. Jabez A. Beebe (the latter having come West the pre- vious year and purchased land where Fountain Green now stands), with his family, consisting of a wife and 6 children, he started West by the way of the Alleghany, Ohio and Mississippi rivers, via Cincinnati and St. Louis. His intention was to come down the Alleghany river to Pittsburg on a lumber raft, but in consequence of low water was detained at Olean Point, N. Y., until some time in the fall. When Mr. Ferris got ready for another start he was joined by Wmn. Stearns (an early settler in this county), and a man named Carman, with their families. They purchased a flat-boat, which they covered and provided with the necessary facilities for cooking and lodging for their families. In this boat they journeyed leisurely with the current. They arrived in Cincinnati some time in October, having been about nine weeks on the river. Here they sold the flat-boat and transferred themselves and goods to the steam- boat Niagara, bound for St. Louis, Mo., at which point they ar- rived about Dec. 1.
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