USA > Illinois > Hancock County > History of Hancock County, Illinois, together with an outline history of the State, and a digest of State laws > Part 71
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The subject of this sketch has been engaged mostly in farming and mining. In 1850 he crossed the plains to California, and re- mained until 1855, when he returned, having an eventful journey by way of Arizona and Texas. Mr. S. was married in 1857 to Miss Julia A. Towler, a native of Ind. To this union 3 children have been born, all of whom are living: Leona M., Clara B. and Almira A. He engaged in farming and became an active partici- pant in the public issues of the county. In 1870 he was elected Sheriff of the county, and re-elected in 1872 to the same office, the duties of which he filled with satisfaction to his constituents. He also was Justice of the Peace in Chili tp., and has been otherwise distinguished. In 1876 he erected the Stevens House, at a cost of $11,000, furnished, which he conducted successfully 11 years. In 1879, by reason of poor health, he rented the house and retired to the quietness of his home. The Stevens House is located on the south side of the Square, is built of brick, and will accommodate many guests. Its arrangements are of the best, and its location is all that could be desired. In fact, this is a reliable and the only first-class hotel building in the city.
L. C. Stevenson, retired, was born in Baltimore, Md., in 1809; is a son of Sater and Priscilla (Cole) Stevenson, both natives of that State, where she died in 1815. He moved to Franklin county, O., where he died in 1849. L. C. came to Illinois in 1836, stopped one year in Chicago, and settled in this city in 1837, where he engaged in the cabinet and furniture business, in a log shanty that occupied the present site of the bank. Some years afterward he purchased a farm, and engaged in that business until he retired from all active pursuits, to the quietness and comforts of his pleas- ant home. He was married May 23, 1844, to Miss Susan Gallop, a native of Rockland, where she was born April 26, 1827. Öf their 11 children 5 are living; viz., Charles, Willie, Hattie, Fred- erick and Edward. Mr. S. is one of the oldest living settlers of Carthage, honored and respected by all who know him. Politi- cally, he is a descendant of the old-line Whig party, and a strong advocate of Republican principles.
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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
J. B. Strader, firm of J. B. Strader & Son, grocers. This firm was established in 1863, and was located on the lot of ground now occupied by the Hancock National Bank. In 1864 Mr. S. pur- chased his present premises, and from a small capital has gained a success, and is one of the prominent and active merchants of this city. The firm carry a stock of $6,000; a large warehouse is con- nected in the rear, and a large trade is realized in the sale of feed and hay, sawed and split fence posts and drain tile. Mr. Strader was born in West Virginia in 1822; is a son ot Martin and Mary (Rohr- bongh) Strader, natives of that State, both deceased. He came to this county in 1856 and settled in this city. For nearly two years he was engaged in the lumber business, and taught school four years, and engaged in various speculations until 1863. He was married to Miss Susannah Shultz, a native of Virginia, who died in 1855. They had 4 children: David S., Ellen J .. Lenton M. and Willis L. He was married to his present wife, Miss Mary Rogers, in 1865. She is a native of Virginia. Mr. S. has been Superintendent of the Sunday-school in the M. E. Church 11 years, Trustee of the Church, and is highly esteemed by all who know him. The junior partner of this firm, D. S. Strader, was born in Upshur county, W. Va., in 1848. He was united in marriage to Miss Cynthia J. Mathews in 1867, who was born in Gallapolis, Gallia county, O., in 1846. Their children are Eddie L., Frank A. and William A.
C. W. Taylor, firm of Taylor Bros., grocers, was born in Gar- rard county, Ky., in 1841; is a son of David and Eliza (Thompson) Taylor, natives of that State, where he died in 1855. The widow came to this county in 1856, with 9 children, and settled in this city. Our subject was engaged in clerking until 1862, when he enlisted in Co. B, 118th Ill. Vol. Inf., and served until the close of the war. Participated in battles of Chickasaw Bluffs, Jackson, Miss., and all the engagements of the regiment. He was married in 1871 to Miss Margaret Latimer, a native of Adams county, by whom he has 3 children, Charles E., William R. and Joseph. This firm was established in 1868 and has a good trade. Mr. T. was Town Trustee one term; is a member of the A. O. U. W. and is a Republican.
E. D. Taylor, firm of Taylor Bros., grocers, brother of the pre- ceding, was born in Garrard county, Ky., in 1845. E. D. became associated with his brother in 1869. In 1875 he went to Nebraska and Kansas, and engaged in sheep-raising, but returned after a few years. Mr. T. was Town Trustee two years; is a member of the A. O. U. W., and of the military and fire department, and one of the city fathers. Politically, he is a Republican, and is a member of the Baptist Church.
D. L. Tressler, late President of Carthage College, though but a few years a citizen of Hancock county, deserves some notice in this work, and we give his portrait on page 441.
He came here an entire stranger, to take a Professorship
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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
in the new College, was chosen its President and also its Treasurer, and by his kind and Christian deportment, his zeal and earnestness in the cause of education, his courteous manners, his talents and eloquence, he soon endeared himself to his college associates and pupils under his charge, and won in a high degree the public esteem. Born in 1839, he had not reached half the allotted three score and ten, and was but barely 40 when called away from the broad and still unreaped field of his usefulness.
President Tressler, in addition to his college duties, was Pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Carthage, and also fre- quently assumed calls to preach in neighboring pulpits of kindred denominations. He was greatly instrumental in building up the Church in Carthage, and contributed freely of his time, talents and means toward the erection of the fine edifice belonging to it. On last New Year's eve, a new bell, having been placed in position, was dedicated; and in the hour of the Old Year's departure, it was tolled-"ringing the Old Year out and the New Year in." On that occasion, President Tressler made a feeling address, in the course of which he said, " For whom of us all shall this bell first toll the funeral knell?" An ear attuned to prophecy might have interpreted in its clear tones, as they quiveringly died away on the prairies, the answer-"For David Loy Tressler!" for within 60 days of the new year, that bell tolled its first funeral notes for him.
Tolling, tolling ! Stirring passions past controlling ; Every measured knell was rolling Over hearts by grief oppressed. Ringing, ringing ! Every solemn peal was singing Of a new-born spirit, winging Swift its way to perfect rest.
Moaning, sighing! Echo of the heart's out-crying When its treasured all is lying, Stricken ere the harvest time. Calling, greeting Anguished souls with soft entreating, Soothingly the words repeating- " Transferred to a better clime."
President Tressler's father was a man of character and note in Pennsylvania, ever active in the cause of education and of the Church in which he was an exemplary member. He built of his own means an institution of learning at Loysville, called the Loys- ville Academy. In this institution David Loy received his prep- aration for college, and after his graduation became its principal. The war took teachers and pupils to the "tented field," and the Academy became a Soldiers' Orphans' Home, under the care of the State, the property still in the ownership of the Tressler estate. At ength it was sold, through the exertions of President Tressler, to
Sylvester & Journey
ROCK CREEK TP.
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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
the Lutheran Church, of Pa., for a permanent Orphans' Home, and is now occupied as such.
President T. was one of a large family; his eldest brother, a young man of much talent and high promise, died at the age of 24, while occupying the chair of mathematics and natural philos- ophy in the Capital University at Columbus, Ohio.
The widowed mother still lives in Carthage, as well as one sister, Mrs. Prof. J. W. Richard, and youngest brother, Dr. M. L. Tressler, druggist and bookseller.
As previously stated, Prest. Tressler was Pastor of the large Lutheran Church in Carthage, a position which he sustained for seven years. This fine edifice, the finest and costliest in the county, stands as a monument of his energy and labor.
The following notice of President Tressler's life and work is copied from the "Carthaginian," the college journal for March, 1880:
"DEATH OF PRESIDENT TRESSLER.
" It becomes our mournful duty to chronicle the death of our be- loved President, Rev. Prof. D. L. Tressler, Ph. D. This sad event occurred at his home in Carthage, at seven o'clock, Friday morning, Feb. 20th. On the 1st of Feb. he went to West Point, a village twelve miles distant from Carthage, to fill an appointment for preaching. Owing to the bad condition of the roads he made the trip on horseback, a mode of traveling to which he had not recently been accustomed. On his arrival home in the evening he was very much fatigued, and found that he had taken a severe cold. He heard his college classes on Monday, but did not feel well enough the next morning to continue his work. On Thursday evening he presided at a faculty meeting held at his residence. A day or two afterward typhoid pneumonia made its appearance. This grad- ually assumed a rheumatic character, and was soon followed by a complication of other disorders. During the last week of his sick- ness he was delirious much of the time. In his intervals of con- sciousness he spoke tender farewell words to the members of his family, commending them to the loving care of God, and rejoicing in the blessed comforts and triumphs of the Christian faith.
" As we stood by the bedside of this good and useful man, and saw him calmly and peacefully breathe his last, it was hard to realize that one so eminent in the Master's service upon the earth, and just in the prime of life, and who but a few weeks before was so active and hopeful among us, was passing away from our bodily sight. It is difficult to think that he is gone. Why should he be taken? This is a mystery which, perhaps, we can not now under- stand, but we know that God rules wisely and well, and we humbly submit to His will.
"Dr. Tressler was born Feb. 15, 1839, at Loysville, Pa. His father died in 1859. His aged mother, 4 brothers and 5 sisters survive
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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
him. He was faithfully instructed by his parents in the truth of the Scriptures, and at an early age united with the Lutheran Church of which they were prominent members. He prepared for college at the Loysville Academy, an institution founded by his father. In 1857 he was admitted to the sophomore class of Penn- sylvania College at Gettysburg, from which institution he was graduated with honor in 1860. having received the appointment of valedictorian of his class. Soon afterward he took charge of the Loysville Academy, which he conducted with success. While en- gaged in teaching he also pursued the study of law. In 1862 he raised a company of volunteers. and entered the army as a Captain. He participated in the battles of South Mountain. Antietam, Fred- ericksburg. and Chancellorsville. receiving two severe wounds at Fredericksburg. In 1864 he was admitted to the Bar. and devoted the next five years to the practice of law. In 1865 he was mar- ried to Ada J .. daughter of B. McIntyre. Esq. In 1870 he re- moved to Mendota, Ill., and in the same year entered the Lutheran ministry and accepted a call to Lena, Ill. In 1872 he was elected to a professorship in Carthage College, and the following year he was chosen president of the same institution. In connection with the duties of this office he had charge of the financial affairs of the college, which gave him a great deal of additional labor, and he was also Pastor of the Trinity Lutheran Church of the city.
" President Tressler possessed a rare combination of excellent qualities which admirably fitted him for the important position which he held. He was a man of high purposes and indomitable energy, of quick intellect and fine business tact, of a kind, gener- ous and sympathetic nature, of a cheerful disposition. inclined to look upon the bright side of things, of ready and pleasing address. capable of easily adapting himself to all classes of people and making the humblest feel at ease in his presence.
" With untiring efforts and unflagging zeal he labored for the wel- fare of Carthage College, and, through this instrumentality. for the advancement of Christ's kingdom and the promotion of God's glory. In this great work he sacrificed his life, and in his death the Church has lost one of her most efficient leaders,'one of her most useful servants. But his memory will abide with us as an inspiration to stimulate us to increased activity in the glorious cause to which he was so earnestly devoted.
" The funeral was largely attended. Many persons from a dis- tance were present. Rev. Mr. Kuhl conducted the services. The church was heavily draped. A number of beautiful floral offer- ings testified to the high esteem in which the deceased was held by loving friends. Rev. Mr. Sparr, of Fairfield, Ia .. read selections from the Scriptures. Rev. Mr. Behringer, of Mendon. Ill., offered prayer. Dr. Rhodes. of St. Louis, delivered the discourse. This was followed by brief addresses by Rev. Mr. Anderson, of the Congregational Church, of Quincy, and Rev. Dr. Craig, of the
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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
Presbyterian Church, of Keokuk, Ia. Rev. Mr. Culler, of Newton, Ia., pronounced the benediction."
J. C. Williams, merchant, was born in Madison county, Ky., in 1S19; is son of Richard G. and Catherine (daughter of Col. John Holden), early pioneers of Clark county, Ky., where he died in 1876. She is still a resident of that county. The subject of this sketch came to this county in 1857 and settled in this city. He became engaged in the mercantile trade as early as 1844, and estab- lished in this city in 1857. He erected the building he now occu- pies in 1866, and carries a stock of $10,000, and has a fair trade. He was married in 1850 to Miss Mary Collier, a native of Lincoln county, Ky., where she was born in 1826. He represented this district to the Senate, member of the 27th General Assembly in 1871 and 1872. Has filled the office of Town Trustee, President of the Town Council and is otherwise identified with the interests of the county. He has been a member of the Masonic order 35 years, and is one of the oldest and most highly respected merchants of this city. Oscar W., William, Josiah J., Susan and Jessie are his living children.
J. J. Williams, lawyer, was born in Carthage in 1858; is son of J. C. Williams, one of the oldest merchants of this city. He re- ceived his education at the Carthage College, and was graduated at that institution in 1877. He began the study of law with Edmunds & Scofield of this city, and was admitted to the Bar in 1879. The same year formed the present partnership of Scofield and Williams, and began practice in this city. Politically, he is a Democrat.
Henry C. Wilson, livery stable ; established in this business in 1879, moved to present location in April, 1880, where he keeps a large stock of horses and carriages at all times. He was born in Carthage, Ill., in 1844 ; is son of J. and Mary (Stuart) Wilson, who came to this county from Kentucky in 1834, and settled in this tp .; subsequently he removed to this city and opened the Wilson House, where he became popularly known and resided until his death in 1873. He entered and purchased land on sec. 16, and dealt con- siderably in landed property, and was one of the early pioneers of Hancock county. His widow is still living in this city. Henry C. was married in 1865 to Miss Ellen E. Ferry, a native of this county. To them have been born 4 children, 3 of whom are living, -Rolla H., Mary L. and Tessie.
Stephen S. Wilson, miller, succeeded S. L. Hobart in the purchase and business in the mill in 1876, where he is doing a good business. He also owns a farm of 250 acres in this tp., valued at $20 per acre, and deals considerably in stock. He was born in Garrard county, Ky., in 1844; is son of James F. and Elizabeth (Stewart) Wilson, natives of New York and West Virginia, who emigrated to this county in 1849 and settled in this tp. on sec. 16, where he resided until his death in 1854. She died in 1864. Our subject enlisted in April, 1861, in Co. D, 16th I. V. I., and served until July, 1865. He participated in the battles of
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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
Corinth, Stone River, Murfreesboro, and with Sherman on his march to the sea, through the grand review at Washington, and was mustered out at Louisville, Kentucky. He received a slight wound in his left hand;at Bentonville, and was twice taken prisoner, but escaped. He was married in 1869 to Miss Arabella Buckman, a native of Kentucky, who died in 1872, leaving one child, Lela B. He was again married to Miss Leah Johnson, a native of West Virginia. Mr. W. is Trustee of the town and was elected Assessor in April, 1880; is a member of the Masonic order, and of the M. E. Church. Politically is Republican.
William Wilson, farmer, sec. 9; P. O., Carthage; was born in Rock Castle county, Ky., in 1835; is son of James and Elizabeth (Stewart) Wilson, who emigrated to Hancock county in 1849, and settled in Carthage tp., where he resided until 1858. She died in 1868. The subject of this sketch was married in 1864 to Miss Lydia, daughter of Joseph Deuel, a native of Ohio, and their 7 children are: Ida L., George C., Ellen, Eva, William, Mary and Lula. Mr. W. settled on his present land in 1872, consisting of 140 acres, valued at $50 per acre. He is a School Director, and in politics is a Republican.
James F. Woodburn; P. O., Carthage; was born in Carthage in 1839, son of William and Gracie (Irving) Woodburn, natives of Kentucky, who emigrated to this county in 1834 and settled in this tp., where he entered 40 acres of land, and is yet a resident of Carthage, in the 75th year of his age. She died in July, 1872. The subject of this sketch enlisted in 1862 in Co. B, 118th I. V. I., and served until the close of the war. He participated in the battles of Arkansas Post, Vicksburg, and in nearly all the battles in which that regiment was engaged. By exposure in the service he lost his sight and slowly became totally blind. He was able to complete his service and return home, where he engaged in farming until his sight was entirely gone. He was married in 1869 to Miss Angeline, daughter of Thompson T. McCants, a native of this tp. To this union one son has been born, John E. Mr. W. is ably supported by the Government in his affliction, and resides in the quiet and enjoyment of his home. Politically he is divided, and casts his vote only for those whom he considers capable and trustworthy.
Stanley Edwards Worrell was born in Carthage in April, 1845, about five months before his father, Lieut. Franklin A. Wor- rell, was killed in the Mormon troubles. After his father's death, his widowed mother (Anne Elizabeth Lawton) resided chiefly in Quincy, for seven or eight years, until her re-marriage with Dr. George L. Hewitt, and for a number of years thereafter, when they removed to Hannibal, Mo. At Quincy and Hannibal young Stan- ley was reared, and in the latter place he is settled, having married Miss Virginia Warner, in New Hampshire, about New Year's day, 1873.
Franklin A. Worrell was a Pennsylvanian, a nephew of Elisha Worrell, Esq., and the late Rev. Joseph Worrell, of Chili; and emi-
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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
grated with his mother (now Mrs. Leebrick) and brothers to Quincy. There the family settled, and Frank located in Carthage and en- gaged in merchandising. During his short career in that place he gained the reputation of an active, excellent and public-spirited young man, and died much regretted.
Colman Wyatt, farmer, sec. 22: P. O., Carthage; was born in Cheshire county, Ky., in 1817. When one year old he was taken to Knox county, Tenn., by his parents, where they died. When 17 years of age he started for the West, arriving in this tp. Nov. 9, 1834, with but 50 cents in his pocket. He entered 90 acres of his present farm, which was but a wild prairie, upon which he settled and has since made it his home. He was married in April, 1835, to Miss Elizabeth Kimbroughı, daughter of James Kimbrough, deceased, an early pioneer of Hancock county. To this union 4 children have been born, all deceased. Mr. Wyatt is one of the oldest living settlers of this tp. and county. He hauled the first foot of lumber ever brought to this tp. His advantages for educa- tion were limited, and only by industry, economy and energy has he succeeded. The homestead now consists of 120 acres, valued at $40 per acre. He took an active interest in the Mormon difficul- ties, being in active service with the militia in 1844, by which ser- vice he lost a crop from his improved. lands. Politically he is a Democrat.
D. J. Wylie, farmer, sec. 27; P. O., Carthage; is a native of Garrard county, Ky., where he was born Nov. 16, 1822. His pa- rents, John and Mary (Thompson) Wylie, were both natives of that State. The wife and mother, with 9 children, moved to McDon- ough county in 1850, where she resided until her death in Febru- ary, 1875. The subject of this sketch was married Nov. 4, 1845, to Miss Elizabeth, daughter of John Patterson, of Madison county, Ky. Three children, the fruits of this marriage, are all married, as follows: Mary J., wife of F. M. Esterbrook, residing in Ne- braska; Sarah M., wife of Wm. Coker, of this county; and Ange- line, wife of Geo. T. Proctor, resides in this tp. Besides, Mr. W. has one adopted son, George. Mr. Wylie came to this county in 1850 and settled on sec. 16, in this tp. A few years later he moved to Carthage, where he resided some years, and in 1857 purchased his present farm, of Artois Hamilton, consisting of 160 acres, val- ued at $60 per acre. The same year he erected his present fine residence, and now has one of the best improved farms in the county. His opportunities for education were very limited. Left without means, his accumulations and his position have been se- cured only through energy and industry. In politics he was for ycars an old-line Whig, but now indorses the Democratic platform. His first vote cast was for Millard Filmore.
TOWNSIIIP OFFICIALS.
We give a list of the Supervisors, Clerks,"Assessors and Collec- tors who have served Carthage township since its organization, with the years of the beginning of their respective terms:
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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
SUPERVISORS.
James A. Winston.
1850
J. M. Randolph. 1871
John Booth. . . .
1851
W. C. Williams.
1872
Claiborne Winston
1858
Melancton S. Carey. 1873
Melgar Couchman.
1862
Wesley H. Manier.
1874
John W. Cherry.
1864
Hiram G. Ferris ..
1876
Thos. C. Miller.
1866
Melancton S. Carey. .
1877
John M. Ferris.
1867
George J. Rogers.
1878
Nathan Cutler.
1868
Wm. H. D. Noyes.
1880
John D. Miller
1869
CLERKS.
Emannel Showers
1858
Nathan Cutler .. 1872
William J. Dale. .
1859
Oscar W. Williams.
1873
Emanuel Showers.
1863
John Elder.
1874
Huddleston M. Steater.
1866
D. C. Cutler.
1876
James Abbott ..
1868
Jolın F. Scott.
1878
E. T. Dorothy.
1870
John K. Alexander.
1880
ASSESSORS.
John Carlin.
1858
Thos. J. Kimbrough. 1870
Melgar Couchman.
1859
Ephraim P. Dorothy.
1872
Chas. B. Ruggles.
1862
Thos. J. Kimbrough. 1873
Thos. B. Griffiths.
1863
Washington Martin
1874
William Ogilvie.
1864
A. J. Carlton ..
1875
Jackson Shultz
1866
Wm. A. Cutler.
1878
F. M. Fain.
1867
Ste. S. Wilson ..
1880
Peter Wolfe.
1868
COLLECTORS.
W. H. Williams.
1858
J. H. Kirkpatrick.
1871
Walter B. Loring.
1862
Washington Martin.
1872
Charles B. Ruggles.
1863
A. J. Carlton ..
1873
Jas. B. Crawford.
1864
Stevens W. Merrill
1874
Daniel P. White.
1865
Wm. A. Cutler.
1876
Wm. Kimbrough
1868
George T. Proctor
1877
Asbury Ruggles
1869
Cicero L. Roll.
1879
A. J. Carlton
1870
John Fletcher.
1880
PRAIRIE TOWNSHIP.
This township, 5-6, is, as its name implies, all prairie land, ex- cepting about two sections of dwarf woodland on the breaks of Long creek. Lying so far inland, it was not settled as early as those portions of the county nearer the borders; but later it began to fill up with enterprising farmers, and has now become one of the best improved townships in the county. It is favored with more railroad line than any other township. It has the T., W. & W. running across it from Elvaston to Carthage, six miles; about the same length of the T., P. & W., northeastwardly; and fully seven miles of the Q., C. & B. running southwardly. There is no point in the township, except its extreme northwest corner, that is more than two miles from one of these roads.
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