USA > Illinois > Iroquois County > History of Iroquois County, together with Historic notes on the Northwest, gleaned from early authors, old maps and manuscripts, private and official correspondence, and other authentic, though, for the most part, out-of-the-way sources > Part 68
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102 | Part 103 | Part 104 | Part 105 | Part 106 | Part 107 | Part 108 | Part 109 | Part 110 | Part 111 | Part 112 | Part 113 | Part 114 | Part 115 | Part 116 | Part 117 | Part 118 | Part 119
Royal Smith, physician, Milford, son of Oliver and Littlefield Smith, was born in Jefferson county, New York, July 10, 1820. His mother
158
HISTORY OF IROQUOIS COUNTY.
was a lineal descendant of a "Pilgrim" family. His father was an eminent millwright; and was noted for the accuracy of his work. He also served as a lieutenant in the war of 1812, and as such was pen- sioned. The family removed in 1839 to La Grange county, Indiana, where the parents died. Dr. Smith was fitted for college at Wliites- boro Academy, and graduated from Hamilton College. His medical studies were commenced at Whitesboro and finished at New York University, of which institution he is a graduate. In 1851 Dr. Smith established himself in practice at Milford, where he has since resided. In March, 1851, he was married to Miss Lucinda Woodworth. The doctor is one of the veteran practitioners of this county. At one time he was compelled to take a long vacation, on account of impaired health. He is at the present time conducting a successful drug busi- ness in connection with an extensive practice. Many interesting in- cidents of "early times " are related by the doctor.
Archibald C. Parkes, farmer, Milford, son of William and Sarah Parkes, was born in Preble county, Ohio, March 19, 1830. His grand- father, and also an uncle, Isaac Creason, served in the war of 1812. His brother James served through the Mexican and civil wars. The family left Ohio in 1840 and settled in Grant county, Indiana, where his father died. In 1852 Mr. Parkes and mother came to Milford township, and occupied C. Vennum's farm one year. In 1853 he en- tered several hundred acres of government land in section 1, and after- ward bought the place where he now resides. On May 3, 1857, lie was married to Miss Margaret B. Deeds, of Miami county, Indiana. Miss Deeds, daughter of William and Matilda Deeds, was born in Coshocton county, Ohio. Her parents removed to Indiana. Mr. Parkes' grand- father built the first mill in Preble county. Mr. Parks now has a fine farm of about 600 acres; 300 in pasture and 300 under cultivation. Besides this property he owns several houses and lots in Milford. Every year he feeds and ships off a large number of cattle and hogs. Yet Mr. Parkes commenced here with little more than his hands and an unbounded supply of energy. Some of the township history is furnished by Mr. Parkes.
Charles W. Davis, farmer and trader, Milford, T. 25 N., R. 12 W. 2d principal meridian, was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, May 20, 1837. His parents were Jonathan and Elizabeth Davis. The family moved to Milford in 1853, where the parents died. Mr. Davis received a good common-school education. His life was passed in active busi- ness pursuits up to the year 1863, when he enlisted in Co. H, 11th Ind. Cav., at La Fayette. This regiment made an honorable record, finally culminating in the battle of Nasliville. Soon after enlisting,
159
MILFORD TOWNSHIP.
Mr. Davis contracted a violent rheumatic complaint, which has since permanently disabled him. He was furloughed in 1864, then returned to his regiment at Edgefield, Tennessee; afterward had a relapse, and was honorably discharged in May, 1865. He was married, December 6, 1868, to Miss Anna Curalie, and has continued to reside in Milford. He is a member of the United Brethren church ; was a war democrat, and now of the greenback party.
Jasper Burt, farmer, Milford, is a native of Milford. He was born July 9, 1853. His parents, Solomon and Elizabeth Burt, lived on the northeast quarter of the southeast quarter of section 24. They died in the fall of 1858. Mr. Burt was married, June 9, 1875, to Miss Lucinda A. Johnson, in Stockland township, where he resided two seasons. His education was obtained at the old Gothic school-house. Mr. Burt is an enterprising and industrious young man, and bids fair to make a successful career.
James T. Yates, laborer, Milford, was born in Licking county, Olio, August 21, 1830. His parents were William and Anna Yates. They died when James was an infant, leaving him to the care of an uncle. In 1853 he came to Milford, where he engaged in milling until 1861, when he enlisted in the 42d Ill. Vol. He remained in the service until 1862, when he was discharged, having lost an eye. He reënlisted in 1864 in the 134th Ill. Vol. and mustered out the fol- lowing November. He was married, December 6, 1868, to Mrs. Anna Vaining, whose husband had died in Andersonville. Mr. Yates is a member of the M. E. church ; also an Odd-Fellow. In politics he is a republican.
Mrs. Lucretia Laird, Milford, was born in Tippecanoe county, Indi- ana, March 4, 1827. Her parents were John and Barbara Pruitt. She was married, April 4, 1847, to Elias Laird. In 1854 Mr. and Mrs. Laird left Indiana, and coming to Milford township settled on section 32, put up a shanty, fenced thirty acres of land and put in a crop of wheat. Mr. Laird turned his attention principally to raising cattle. Mr. Laird was born in Ohio, February 20, 1824, and died October 1, 1874. Mrs. Laird retains the farm, but at present is living in the vil- lage of Milford. She is a member of the United Brethren chinrclı.
Charles W. Dawson, farmer, Milford, was born in Ross county, Ohio, May 15, 1814. His parents, Leonard and Mary Jane Dawson, died in Ohio. Mr. Dawson left Ohio in 1834, and came to Warren county, Indiana, where he was married, December 18, 1834, to Miss Mary J. Hooker. He remained in Warren county about fifteen years, and then removed to Benton county. Here he remained about five years. He again removed, settling in Milford township in 1854, on
160
HISTORY OF IROQUOIS COUNTY.
section 27, where lie still lives. Two sons, Lewis and Smiley, enlisted in the late war. Smiley enlisted in 1861 in Co. B, 51st Ind. Vol .; discharged November 15, 1862. He again enlisted in the fall of 1863, and died in a rebel prison from the effects of a wound received at Gun- town. Lewis enlisted in Co. D, 150th Ill. Vols., and was discharged January 16, 1866. Mr. Dawson's farm lay in the track of the tornado which passed over this county in 1866. He is a republican. Mr. Dawson is one of the best known men in this county.
Andrew J. Endsley, stock-dealer and farmer, Milford, son of Peter and Mary Endsley, was born in Wayne county, Indiana, June 22, 1824, and raised in Shelby county. His father served in the Black Hawk war; was a farmer. A. J. Endsley was married December 27, 1846, to Miss Matilda Scott. In 1854 he removed to Iroquois county, and settled four miles south of Milford, where he remained twelve years, engaged in farming and stock-raising; thence to Milford, where he now re- sides. Mr. Endsley is essentially a self-made man, having never at- · tended school except six months in a log house. His brother Henry served in the Mexican war under Gen. Scott, marching to the city of . Mexico, and participated in all the battles of that campaign. Mr. Endsley has filled several minor offices ; is a Royal Arch Mason, being one of two charter members of the lodge in Milford now living. He has been successful in business pursuits.
Samuel Bower, blacksmith, Milford, was born - in Pennsylvania, December 24, 1829 ; moved to Milford in 1855. Since that time he has worked steadily at his trade, not being from home inore than seven months in that time. He was married, in 1859, to Mrs. Elizabeth Moffit. He is entirely self-taught. His early life was spent as canal boy, and he has passed through the usual rough and exciting scenes of canal life. Mr. Bower occupies as a smithy the first school-house built in Milford. In politics he is a republican.
Henry L. Fanning, farmer, Milford, was born in Fauquier county, Virginia, September 6, 1828. The family record will be found in the biography of John Fanning, Sr., whose brother he is. Mr. Fanning went from Ohio to California in 1852, whence he returned in 1856, and came to Milford the same year. He located on section 11, where he has since resided, wholly engaged in farming. Mr. Fanning has a very fine farm, and has been successful in business. On January 1, 1852, he was married to Miss Marcissa Johnson, whose grandfather served through the war of independence. Mr. Fanning enjoyed suclı educa- tional advantages as were afforded by the schools of the early period, and has witnessed the sweeping changes that have occurred in this county. He is a Master Mason, and has held no important office. He belongs to the greenback party.
161
MILFORD TOWNSHIP.
Jonas M. Rush, farmer, Woodland, son of Samuel Rush, Jr., and Anna Rush, and brother of Harvey, was born in Milford, February 11, 1856. Jonas and George Rush are twin brothers. He received a good common-school education, and was married, March 14, 1878, to Miss Josie Johnson. He is residing upon and cultivating his farm of 110 acres, which he also inherited from his father, the same being lot 8 in the N.W. ¿ of Sec. 5. Mr. Rush is giving especial attention to raising stock. [He is a member of, the United Brethren church ; and, like all of his family, republican in politics.
James A. Laird, police]justice and assistant postmaster, Milford, was born in Ohio May 30, 1830. His parents were Samuel J. and Delila Laird. The father was engaged in farming, milling and dealing in live-stock. The family moved to Indiana in 1840, where he engaged in a variety of occupations. In 1856 he removed to Illinois, having previously secured a large tract of land near Milford. He gave each of his sons, six in number, 160 acres of land, and afterward each of his three daughters 80 acres or an equivalent, reserving 240 acres for himself. He died in August, 1871; the mother in February, 1877. Three sons, Elias, John and George, died within one week, and Charles shortly after, all of the same disease. Another brother, Robert, enlisted in the 76th Ill. Vol. in 1861, and soon after died of same disease-typhoid fever. James A. removed to Milford October, 1877, where he still resides. He was married, March 4, 1852. to Miss Permelia Long. His life has been an uneventful one.
Milton L. Biggs, keeper of livery and feed stable, Milton, son of Matthew and Mary Biggs, was born November 22, 1841, in Dearborn county, Indiana. His father was a farmer, and is supposed to have per- ished in the explosion of a steamboat on which he was. Mr. Biggs came to Milford in 1857 and remained until 1868, engaged in farming. He then returned to Indiana, and was married, October 23, 1868, to Adeline Mote. He again canie to Milford in January, 1879, and bought the livery stock where he now is. Mr. Biggs is a notable example of what energy will accomplish under very adverse circumstances. When seventeen years of age he was severely injured and made a cripple for life, having his breast crushed under the hoof of a horse from which he had fallen. He is a democrat.
Edward Reed, school teacher, Milford, son of Thomas and Elmyra Reed, was born in Newark, Ohio, August 18, 1848 ; obtained his educa- tion in the common schools of his native state; came to Milford, Illinois, alone, in August, 1857, and engaged in mercantile pursuits for about three years. He was married, November 10, 1870, to Miss Sarah E. Lemley. Mr. Reed was in active business until 1870, when he com-
162
HISTORY OF IROQUOIS COUNTY.
menced teaching in this and Stockland townships, and has continued to teach, with a short interruption, to the present time. He has held the offices of assessor and assistant postmaster, and is now village clerk. Mr. Reed offered himself as a soldier, but the military authori- ties refused him, in consequence of his having lost three fingers from his left hand when a child. Mr. Reed is a member of the Methodist church and an Odd-Fellow, and belongs to the greenback party.
Samuel Euans, farmer, Milford, was born in Logan county, Ohio, April 15, 1807. His father, Joseph Euans, served in the war of 1812, and was under Harrison at Fort Meigs at the time of Hull's surrender. He held a captain's commission and raised a company for the war. Mr. Euans says, that during his father's absence his mother frequently went out and chopped wood in the deep snow to keep her children warm ; and that for six months at a time the family did not see a mor- sel of bread ; they lived on meat and corn pounded in a hollow block. Mr. Euans' grandfather served seven years under the immediate com- mand of Gen. Washington. When a boy he has often visited the Indians and witnessed their sports. His parents lived and died in Ohio. In 1830 he was married to Miss Jemima Buckley. His son William served in an Illinois volunteer regiment fifteen months. The family came to Iroquois county in 1858, and to Milford in 1877, where Mr. Euans and wife have since resided.
Thomas Loveless, stock-dealer, Milford, was born in Ross county, Ohio, May 4, 1839. His parents were William and Mary Loveless. The family removed from Ohio in 1841, and came to Tippecanoe county, Indiana. His father was a farmer, and continued to reside in Indiana until his death. His inother also died there. Mr. Loveless continued to reside with his parents until the year 1858. He was mar- ried, July 27, 1858, to Miss Harriet Funk, and in 1859 removed to Milford, and settled, where he now resides, on section 21. Mr. Love- less' grandfather served in the war of 1812.
William Misch, grocer, Milford, was born in Germany, September 20, 1852. His parents are August and Rachel Misch. His father was a soldier in the Prussian army. The family came to the United States in 1861, and located in Milford. Mr. Misch obtained his education in the Milford public school. He afterward worked on a farm four years ; then spent eleven years as a clerk. In April, 1879, he purchased tlie stock of groceries of Mr. John Holmes, and is now successfully con- ducting the business on an extensive scale. Mr. Mischi is a member of the Odd-Fellow and Good Templar lodges of Milford.
Mrs. Phobe Laird, farmer, Milford, daughter of John and Catherine Burget, and widow of John Laird, was born in Tippecanoe county,
163
MILFORD TOWNSHIP.
Indiana, November 28, 1833. She was married to John Laird, March 27, 1851. In the spring of 1858 they removed to Iroquois county, and settled in the town of Milford, section 29. One hundred and sixty acres of this tract was given to Mr. Laird by his father, who had en- tered the land. Mr. Laird was one of three brothers, Elias, John and George, all of whom died within the same week of typhoid fever ; John dying September 30, 1874. Mrs. Laird continues to reside at the homestead where her husband died.
George W. Haines, farmer, Milford, son of Havey H. and Jane Haines, was born in Stockland, Illinois, January 27, 1861. His mother was Jane Freeman. The father died in 1867, the mother in 1870. Mr. Haines is unmarried, and is living with his brother-in-law, James W. Haxton. Mr. Haxton was born in Connecticut, February 15, 1836, which state he left in 1855. In 1861 Mr. Haxton came to Milford township, and October 21, 1869, was married to Miss Mary Haines. He enlisted, July 28, 1862, in Co. E, 76th Ill. Vol. Inf., and was dis- charged as sergeant August 6, 1865. He was wounded at Jackson, Mississippi, in 1864; served in all the battles in which his regiment was engaged up to the time of being wounded. Mr. Haxton's paternal grandfather served through the American revolution. He was edu- cated in Connecticut, and is a Master Mason ; in politics a republican.
John Fanning, Jr., farmer and stock-dealer, Woodland, is the son of John Fanning, Sr., and Mary Fanning. He was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, September 18, 1850. He came to the town of Milford with his parents, but has been acting on his own account since he was sixteen years of age. At this early age he commenced dealing in cattle for himself, and has shown great aptitude for business, and has been generally successful in his operations. His education was obtained at the Milford public school, than which there is none better in this sec- tion of the state. He was married, December 28, 1876, to Miss Mar- garet A. Montgomery, and has a beautiful home on lot 6 in the north- east corner of section 4. Like his father, Mr. Fanning is a young man of great energy of character, and a successful business man. He is.an Odd-Fellow and a republican.
John D. Webster, farmer, Milford, son of Robert and Mary Jane Webster, was born November 24, 1841, in Armagh county, Ireland. The family emigrated to the United States in 1842, landing at Quebec, and settling in Fairfield county, Ohio, where they remained about six years. They then removed to Montgomery county, Indiana, and in 1861 came to Milford, and settled upon the land now occupied by Robert Webster. Mr. Webster was married, April 5, 1876, to Miss Sarah E. Williamson. Mr. Webster liad decided to prepare himself for
164
HISTORY OF IROQUOIS COUNTY.
a professional career, and to this end was studying and teaching; but while diligently working to accomplish this cherished purpose, his brother, who was living with the parents, was drowned in Sugar creek. This sad event changed the entire current of his life. He was now . the only son, and he yielded to the desire of his parents, and devoted himself to the farm. Mr. Webster, together with his father, has taken a prominent part in the movement for improving the breed of horses in this county, and is at present president of the Milford Live Stock Importing .Co.
Mrs. Mary Hoover, Milford, daughter of William and Elizabeth Lovelace, was born in Pickaway county, Ohio, September 25, 1816. Mrs. Hoover comes of a patriotic family. Her father served in the war of 1812, and was surrendered at Detroit. Her grandparents were among the pioneers in Kentucky, and endured for a time a terrible captivity among the Indians. In 1836 she married Josiah B. Hoover, whose father was also surrendered at Detroit. J. B. Hoover was born in Ross county, Ohio, February 25, 1815. The family removed to Tippecanoe county, Indiana, in 1854, where they remained until 1861, when the parents with several of the children came to Milford to care for the family of a son, who had already. enlisted. Mrs. Hoover is the mother of ten sons and six daughters. The husband, six sons and one son-in-law enlisted and served through the civil war; the father, J. B. Hoover, in the 116th Ind. Vol. Of the sons, William H., Harvey, Ethan, and Michael served in the 51st Ill. Vol. Harvey and Michael were afterward transferred to the marine service. George enlisted in Co. B, 17th Ind. Vol. Inf. John E. served in the 26th Ind. Vol. Michael was engaged in nearly all the severe battles in which his regiment participated. At Corinth, with ten others, he was captured and sent to Libby prison, where he remained four months, and was then exchanged. Ethan was severely wounded in the leg at Chickamauga, where he was made a prisoner. He was in Richmond prison seven months and ten days. He still suffers from the effects of that wound. It would be impossible to write the entire war record of this remarkable family. Few families have made a better record, or have contributed more to secure the results of the war. The father has filled the office of justice of the peace for seven years. Mrs. Hoover is still in vigorous health, though prematurely gray in consequence of the great trials of her life. She bravely sent her husband and sons to the war, and during their absence provided and cared for a numerous family of children and grandchildren. Not one of the family has ever received a dollar of pension money. The sons are now working at their various trades.
John Fanning, Sr., stock-dealer, Milford, was born in Fauquier
165
MILFORD TOWNSHIP.
county, Virginia, April 13, 1823. His parents were Joseph and Lucy Fanning. His father served in the war of 1812, was in active service, and died in Fairfield county, Ohio. Mr. Fanning came to Iowa in 1854, and after several changes of residence settled in Milford in 1861. He was married to Miss Mary Spitler in 1844, and after her death to Miss Charlotte Clark, November 28, 1876. He has led an active life, and been successful in, business. He is a republican ; a member of the Blue Lodge, and especially prides himself on the fact that he has been patlımaster. Everybody knows " Uncle John."
Wingfield Cooper, retired farmer, Milford, was born in county Wicklow, Ireland, April 5, 1812. His parents belonged to that highly respectable class known as " gentlemen farmers." Mr. Cooper was' edu- cated at the school in his native place and at a boarding-school of con- siderable reputation at that time. After leaving school, his father's health being very infirm, young Cooper was entrusted with the entire con- trol of his father's extensive estate. His father died in 1833. In the division of this estate the homestead, with considerable property, fell to him. In 1835 he married Miss Susanna Coates, and continued his farm business, until her failing health necessitated a permanent change. Under medical advice, in July, 1851, the family came to the United States ; destination, La Fayette, Indiana. Here they remained some time, farming rented land. Finally they removed to Milford in 1862, bought a farm of 80 acres, and lived here until his wife's death in 1869, when Mr. C. retired, leaving his children on the farm, and finally married Mrs. Eliza Thomas, with whom he is quietly living in Milford.
Gerrit Hix, farmer, Milford, son of William and Martha Hix, was born in Kentucky, May 1, 1821. The family removed to Parke county, Indiana, in 1839, where they lived about fifteen years, engaged in farming. The parents then came to Iroquois county, Illi- nois, where they died. Mr. Hix was married, June 2, 1841, to Miss Elizabeth Sellers. During his residence in Indiana Mr. Hix conducted a cabinet shop. In 1862 he removed to Milford township, where he was engaged in farming, and at one time bought and run a saw-mill. This mill was on land now owned by George Hix. Mr. Hix is proud of the fact that during all his wedded life he never had a family quarrel, nor ever struck a child, although they have raised a family of ten children. Mr. Hix has experienced all the hardships and changes incident to pioneer life, and has closely followed his own convictions in matters of politics and religion. His wife is a member of the M. E. church.
James A. McConnell, dealer in general merchandise, Milford, was born in Highland county, Ohio, March 9, 1824. His father, John
166
HISTORY OF IROQUOIS COUNTY.
McConnell, served through the war of 1812, with the rank of colonel (as his son thinks), under Gen. Harrison. He saw active service, and was in the defense of Fort Meigs. Col. McConnell also served in the Black Hawk war. He also drilled and prepared the first company that went from his county to the late war. Col. McConnell's brother also served in the war of 1812, and was made a prisoner at Hull's surrender of Detroit. This brother was present when notice of the surrender was given to Gens. Cass and McArthur, and he relates that these officers broke their swords rather than give them up. Mr. James McConnell has in his possession a remarkable sword which his father wore, and which his father gave to him. It is of English manufacture, bears the royal coat of arms and the monogram of Richard III. Mr. McConnell's family left Ohio, in 1828, for Covington, Kentucky, where they resided several years ; from whence, after several changes, they came to Ben- ton county, Indiana, where the father died in 1875. The mother's name was Elizabeth. In March, 1848, Mr. James McConnell was mar- ried to Miss Sarah McIlvain, who died in 1861. He afterward mar- ried Miss Anna Brown in 1863. He came to Milford in February, 1862, and established a general store. The business has steadily increased, until the firm of Fairman & McConnell occupy one of the finest blocks in Iroquois county. Mr. McConnell built a grist-mill on section 5, which is still in operation. It is called the artesian mill, from the fact that three artesian wells supply a large portion of the motive power. Mr. McConnell has been always a democrat. He is a Master Mason, an Odd-Fellow and a member of the Christian church. An incident at Col. McConnell's death is worthy of mention. Ten chil- dren, the youngest of whom was forty years old, surrounded his death- bed. Mr. James McConnell is one of the prominent men of Iroquois county.
George Hix, drain-tile manufacturer, Milford, was born in Ken- tncky, November 25, 1825. His parents were William and Martha Hix. His grandfather's family, with one exception, were killed by Indians in the early days of Kentucky's history. Mr. Hix went to Pike county, Indiana, in 1843, where he learned the potter's trade. Becoming of age he bought and run a saw-mill until his removal to Iroquois county in 1863. Here lie built a saw-mill, which he run for eight years. He then engaged in farming. The first tile-works were erected on Mr. Hix's land. These works are now actively operated by Mr. Hix's sons. November 1, 1849, he was married to Miss Eliza- beth Cix. Mr. Hix has led an active life, and lias always taken a lively interest in local affairs, filling various township offices usefully. For thirty-five years he has been identified with the temperance cause.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.