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 69

Author: Beckwith, H. W. (Hiram Williams), 1833-1903
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: Chicago : H.H. Hill and Co.
Number of Pages: 1180

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 69

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).

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MILFORD TOWNSHIP.

In politics he was formerly a democrat, but during later years his con- victions have caused him to act with the greenback party. Mr. Hix is still in vigorous health. His business enterprises have been gener- ally successful.

James Mayfield, farmer, Milford, was born October 10, 1828, near Nashville, Tennessee. His parents, James and Maria, lived and died in Tennessee. Mr. Mayfield's first experience in life was as a cabin- boy, and afterward first cook on steamboats running on the Ohio and Mississippi rivers. He continued his river life for three years, wlien he came to Cincinnati, where he remained about six months. He then went to Union county, Indiana, to work on a farm. He remained in this county for many years, working by the month as a farm hand. He was married, September 1, 1858, to Miss Elizabeth Connell, who was born March 29, 1838. In October, 1863, he came to Milford and bought the east half of lot 5, in the northeast quarter of section 2. He soon after sold out, and bought a farm in Belmont. He again sold out and purchased lot 7, northeast quarter section 4, in Milford township. Again he sold, and removed to Milford village, where he resided several years, and served five years as police and township constable. March 20, 1879, he exchanged his village property for the farm on which he now resides. His children are William T., Sidney A., John A., George T., Daniel J., Sarah E. and James L. Mr. Mayfield is a very energetic man, a Master Mason, and in politics a republican.

Jasper Prutsman, brickmaker, Milford, son of David and Maxy M. Prntsman, was born in Fountain county, Indiana, February 12, 1836. His father was from Virginia, his mother from Kentucky. His father served through the war of 1812, and was engaged in building block- houses at Detroit. He died in 1837; was by trade a wagon-maker. In 1852 Jasper, with his mother and sister, came to Prairie Green township, where he entered 80 acres of land. Here he engaged in farming; besides, in company with his brother, he purchased a break- ing team, and for three years broke land for others. September 7, 1856, Mr. Prutsman was married to Lucinda Crow, daughter of David and Mary Crow, who was born August 1, 1833. In 1864 he removed to Milford township and became a timber-dealer. For the past five years he has been engaged in making brick, three quarters of a mile west of Milford. They have had eight, children: Alfred, born Feb- ruary 12, 1858; Mary M., born April 29, 1860; Smilinda E., born February 9, 1862; Orea, born March 8, 1864 ; Martha E., born April 26, 1865 ; Frank, born July 6, 1867 ; Arata, born April 11, 1870, and an infant. Sinilinda died October 3, 1875. In politics Mr. Pruts- man is a greenbacker. He is one of the substantial men of this town- ship. The business is prosperons.

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HISTORY OF IROQUOIS COUNTY.

Dr. Ira Brown, physician, Milford, was born near Brockville, Canada West, May [6, 1832. His parents, James and Lydia Brown, removed from Hartford county, Connecticut, to Canada in 1794. The British authorities endeavored to compel his father to serve against the United States in the war of 1812, but he escaped into Massachusetts, where he remained during the war. He then returned to Canada, and died there. He never took the oath of allegiance to the British gov- ernment. Dr. Brown's grandfather served seven years in the war of the revolution, and afterward assisted in making the government sur- vey of Ohio. Ira Brown came to Jefferson county, New York, in 1850. He had already acquired the miller's art, and for eighteen months attended school, working in a mill nights and mornings, in this manner obtaining means to pay his expenses. He afterward was engaged as clerk in a dry-goods house for some time. In the spring of 1854 he came to Brantford, Canada, where he commenced the study of medicine. In 1856 he went to Ann Arbor, Michigan, and there prosecuted his studies, graduating March, 1858. He then came west, and after traveling through Missouri, finally located in Boone county, Illinois, and began the practice of medicine. He con- tinued in practice here until January 1, 1862, when he entered the 65th reg. Ill. Vol. as assistant surgeon; he was appointed surgeon October, 1864. This regiment was captured at Harper's Ferry at Mile's surrender. Dr. Brown was left at Martinsburg, Virginia, in charge of sick soldiers twenty-one days, and afterward allowed to de- part without parole. He next found himself assigned to duty at Fort McHenry, and in 'April, 1863, appointed post-surgeon at Camp Doug- lass. In December, 1863, he was ordered to join his regiment near Knoxville, Tennessee, and remained with it through the Atlanta cam- paign; was in the battles of Columbia, Franklin and Nashville, and finally mustered out with the regiment May, 1865. Dr. Brown then came to Milford, and soon found himself established in an extensive practice. He was married to Mrs. Nellie Best, October 30, 1873. Dr. Brown has always been actively identified in developing and promot- ing the business interests of this section. In 1878, he established lis extensive tile and brick yard, of which a more extended notice occurs in the history of Milford.

Elam H. Patterson, school teacher, Milford, son of Amos and Esther Patterson, was born in Grant county, Indiana, October 28, 1857. His father combined the business of merchant and farmer. He enlisted in Co. H, 118th Ind. Vol. Inf., August 12, 1863. This regiment did good service at Blue Springs, Clinch River, and at Taswell. At one time their daily rations per man for nine days were one half

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ear of corn and a cubic inch of meat. He was discharged March 3, 1864. One of his brothers was in thirty-five battles, and came out without a serious wound. Elam H. Patterson was educated at the Sheldon High School and at Onarga Institute. He has been engaged in teaching since sixteen years of age. He was for one year principal of Sheldon High School.

James Woodworth, postmaster, Milford, son of John and Phœbe Woodworth, was born in Ohio, September 12, 1844. The mother died in 1861. In 1844 the family removed to La Grange county, Indiana, afterward going to Noble county, where the father still resides. James attended school, and two years of the time were passed at Kalamazoo, Michigan. In 1861 he enlisted in the 4th Mich. Cav., but being under age was rejected. In October, 1861, he was enrolled in the 1st Michigan Engineers and Mechanics, where he remained three years. While in this regiment he participated in the battle of Lavergne, Ten -. nessee. This regiment consisted of 391 officers and men, commanded by Col. Inness. This regiment was posted at Lavergne, midway be- tween Nashville and Murfreesboro, to protect communications. It was here their position was attacked by Wheeler's rebel cavalry, consisting of 3,000 men and two pieces of artillery. After successfully resisting seven distinct charges of the enemy, the rebels finally withdrew. The regiment received the highest praise from Gen. Rosencrans for gallant conduct on this occasion. After his discharge Mr. Woodworth en- gaged as engineer to Platt J. Wise, of Fort Wayne, where he continued two years, at the same time continuing his studies. The next two years were spent as clerk in two grocery houses in the same city. He then came to Ash Grove, Illinois, where he was engaged in teaching school during the winters of 1869 and 1870. On May 17, 1870, Mr. Woodworth commenced business in old Milford, selling goods on his own account. While here the Chicago, Danville & Vincennes (now known as the Chicago & Eastern Illinois) railroad was in course of con- struction, and was completed to Milford, June 24, 1871. On May 10, 1872, Mr. Woodworth opened the first stock of goods in the new town, and continued here until 1877. Mr. Woodworth has held for several years the office of police magistrate and notary public, and is at present post- master, which office he has held since October, 1872. At that time the business of the office amounted to but $150 per year. It now amounts to about $25,000 per year. Mr. Woodworth was married, December 11, 1871, to Miss Martha J. Lane. He is a Master Mason and a Good Templar. Although still a young man, Mr. Woodworth's life is an example of what can be accomplished by energy and determination.

William T. Sheridan, general merchandise, Milford, was born in 11

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HISTORY OF IROQUOIS COUNTY.

New London, Connecticut, June 25, 1842. He was educated in the public schools of his native state. In 1861 Mr. Sheridan enlisted in the 1st reg. Conn. Heavy Artillery. He was soon detailed as orderly on Gen. R. O. Tyler's staff, where he remained for three years, and during this time was frequently sent with important orders, requiring skill and courage to execute, as well as incurring great danger. Mr. Sheridan participated in the battles of Second Bull Run, and on the Chickahominy and James rivers. He was also at Antietam and Get- tysburg, and through the Wilderness. He also served as general super- intendent of land transportation. He was mustered out in 1864, and for two years after was government inspector and auctioneer. During this time a vast amount of government property passed through his hands, and he has many testimonials of his ability and fidelity in the discharge of duty. During the battle of Gettysburg, he succeeded in securing Gen. Tyler's saddle and accouterments, after his horse had fallen, carrying them a long distance under the enemy's heavy fire; for his daring he was highly complimented by Gen. Tyler. In 1866 Mr. Sheridan came to Rockford, Illinois, where he engaged in the auction and commission business, afterward removing to Milford in 1871, where he continues to reside. In October, 1867, Mr. Sheridan was married to Miss Minnie Mosley, who died in March, 1873. In Novem- ber, 1874, lie married Miss Carrie Mason. He is a Master Mason; in politics a republican.

Philip Holloway, farmer, Milford, was born in Union county, Ohio, January 14, 1825. His parents were Elijah and Elizabeth Holloway. The father was a wheelwright, and worked at liis trade during his life. The family moved to Tippecanoe county, Indiana, in 1839. The son worked with the father. April 5, 1849, he was married to Miss Sally Dawson, and in 1854, with her, removed to Iroquois county, and set- tled in the town of Stockland, where, with nothing but his brain and muscle, he commenced to open a farm. In this calling he continued to prosper, and cultivated his farm until the year 1862, when he enlisted in Co. E, 76th Ill. Vol. for three years. At the battle of Jackson, Mississippi, July 7, 1864, he was severely wounded, being shot through the leg. He remained in hospital for fifty-two days, when he was sent home on a furlough. Here he remained until his regiment returned to Chicago, when he was discharged. Mr. Halloway has wit- nessed the great changes whichi have occurred within the last twenty- five years. He continued on his farm until 1873, when he came to Milford. His wife died July 5, 1874. He is now in receipt of a pen- sion. His father died in 1862; his mother in 1827. August 20, 1876, he was married to Miss Levina Hix. He is a republican.

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MILFORD TOWNSHIP.

George H. Barber, farmer, Milford, son of David C. and Louisa S. Barber, was born in Charlemont, Massachusetts, February 21, 1851. His father was born in Massachusetts, September, 1820. His mother was from Vermont, born August 28, 1820. In 1856 the family re- moved to La Fayette, Indiana, and carried on a farm for four years. In 1860 they came to Iroquois county and settled in Beaver township. In 1875 they again removed, going to Missouri, where the parents still reside. Here, February 22, 1872, George H. was married to Miss Margaret Logan. He then returned to Iroquois county in 1874, and is now conducting the Strain farm on section 19, Milford township. Mr. Barber has received a good common-school education, and for five years was clerk in a general store in Missouri. Two of his brothers served three years during the civil war. Charles was in the 63d Ind. Vol., and D. C. was in the 76th Ill. Vol. Mr. Barber is an energetic and thriving farmer. He has kept out of debt, and therefore never has liad occasion to complain of hard times.

James P. Button, dealer in general merchandise, Milford, the son of James P. and Sarah E. Button, was born in Fountain county, In- diana, December 9, 1849. The family moved to Ford county, Illinois, 1853. The father was a farmer, and has filled many offices. He was treasurer of Ford county two years. A township in that county bears his name. He died March 14, 1863. The younger James P. came to Milford in 1875, and entered the mercantile business. He was married to Miss Sarah E. Lane, May 18, 1875. His brother, W. J. Button, became a partner in the business March 1, 1879. Their business is rapidly increasing.

Andrew J. Shorey, grocer, Milford, was born in Penobscot county, Maine, September 15, 1829, and received a common-school education. His parents were Nathaniel and Elizabeth Shorey. Mr. Shorey was engaged in business at an early age, being in the lumber trade until 1853, when he went to California, where he remained five years; he afterward extensively engaged in manufacturing lumber in Wisconsin, which he sent down the Mississippi. He removed to Milford in 1875, and started again in the lumber trade; sold out, and established his ;. present successful business. Mr. Shorey was married October, 1862, to Miss Susan Woodworth. He is a republican in politics, and was pres- ident of the town council one year.

John F. Fairman, merchant and grain-dealer, Milford, the son of Henry and Mary Fairman, was born in Tioga county, Pennsylvania, April 3, 1829. When he was three years of age his parents removed to La Fayette, Indiana, and in 1845 came to Illinois, and settled in Will (now Kankakee) county, where Kankakee city now stands. The coun-

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HISTORY OF IROQUOIS COUNTY.

try was wild and covered with timber. The family sought shelter in an old log cabin, which was repaired and made to answer the purpose of a home. Young Fairman's health was frail, yet he assisted some- what in this labor. Mr. Fairman describes, in a graphic manner, his exultation on killing his first deer. His health becoming established, he struck out for himself, and proceeding to the Wabash, procured a job of making rails at 50 cents per hundred. He afterward worked on a farm at $8 per month. Returning to his parents, he still continued at farming. When about eighteen years of age he spent the winter in chopping, and occasionally hunting and trapping, and succeeded in procuring a large quantity of venison and peltries, which he hauled to Chicago and sold at good profit. Having accumulated considerable money, in 1859 Mr. Fairinan came to Watseka and erected the first ele- vator and business house ever built in that town. He continued in busi- ness there for five years, buying and shipping grain and selling goods and agricultural implements. His business was very successful. In 1865 he went to Logansport, and, with a partner, bought 400 acres of tim- ber. They erected a saw-mill and commenced selling lumber. These operations were suddenly checked by the loss of the mill and 100,000 feet of walnut lumber by fire. The energy of the man is displayed in the fact that in ten days the mill was entirely restored and in full opera- tion. Mr. Fairman retired from this business with a handsome addition to his capital. He has always been a very active man, finding his highest pleasure in the activities of business. He has also traveled extensively, and has been keenly observant of men and things. In 1876 Mr. Fairman entered into partnership with James A. McConnell, in a general mer- chandise business and dealing in grain, at Milford. They are doing an extensive business. Mr. Fairman was married, in 1852, to Miss Mary E. Parks. He is a republican, and a strong temperance man.

Andrew J. Miller, dealer in general merchandise, Milford, was born in Germany, October 23, 1845. He came with his parents to Cham- paign county, Ohio, in 1854, and worked on the farm until July 4, 1862, when he enlisted in the 45th Ohio Vol. Inf. At this time he was but sixteen years of age. He served three years and participated in all the battles the regiment was engaged in. Some of them are as follows : the Morgan raid through Ohio and Indiana ; siege of Knox- ville; battles of Resaca and Kenesaw Mountain; and through the Atlanta campaign, and battle of Frankford, 1864. At the close of the war Mr. Miller came to Ford county, Illinois, where he was ex- tensively engaged in farming, and cultivated a section of land near Paxton, Illinois. January 28, 1868, Mr. Miller was married to Mary J. Bently ; they have four children now living : two boys, Louis and Charlie,

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MILFORD TOWNSHIP.

and two girls, Minnie and Nora. The eldest child is ten, and the youngest three years old. During the eleven years Mr. Miller was engaged in farming, he accumulated a large amount of property. He raised large numbers of cattle and liogs. His farming operations were very successful. In. 1876 he sold his farm and stock, and engaged in mercantile pursuits at Miller's Station, on the Lafayette, Bloomington & Muncie railroad. This station was named after his brother. His store, with all its contents, was destroyed by fire August 1, 1876. At the time of the fire his family were living over the store. A hired boy was burned to death, and one of his children was so badly burned that it died next day. The remainder of the family barely escaped. Mr. Miller then removed to Donovan, Illinois, where, in the fall of 1876, he again embarked in merchandising and opened with a large stock of goods. But the fire-fiend seemed to follow him. March 7, 1877, five buildings with their contents were burned-Mr. Miller's among them. Not discouraged by these severe losses, he, in September, 1878, removed to Milford, Illinois, and bought Jacob Wittenmeyer's stock of goods, together with the brick building, and again commenced business. Mr. Miller is an active, enterprising business man. In August, 1879, in connection with James Woodworth, he erected the large double brick block, known as " Woodworth and Miller's New Block." Mr. Miller is carrying on a large business at the present time.

Jolın Bentson, wagon and cabinet-maker, Milford, was born in Sweden, September 26, 1838, where his parents still reside. On his arrival in this country he first came to St. Louis, Missouri, and finally established himself in Chicago, where he lived seven years. He was married, February 20, 1875, to Miss Matilda Johnson. Mr. Bentson has experienced many changes in life. The parents met a great grief in the loss of a son, Johnnie T., who died June 27, 1877. They have one son living. Mr. Bentson removed to Milford in the fall of 1878, and is now established in a prosperous business.

Edward L'Hote, editor of "Milford Herald," Milford, was born on the island of Gaudaloupe, March 3, 1819, of French parentage. Pre- vious to leaving France his father served through several of Napoleon's campaigns, terminating his military career at the battle of Waterloo as a soldier of the " Old Guard " under Marshal Ney. In recognition of honor- able service he was decorated with the cross of the Legion of Honor. Parents and son left Gaudaloupe in 1824, came to the United States in 1826, and settled in New Orleans in 1827. There liis parents died. The son attended school until 1839, when he entered a printing office, and followed this business as apprentice and journeyman till 1851, having in the mean time removed to Marshall, Clark county, Illinois,

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in 1849. He here engaged in mercantile pursuits for a short time. He afterward published the "Hornet," a campaign paper, and on Mr. Lincoln's accession to the presidency was appointed postmaster. Mr. L'Hote also held the position of deputy circuit clerk for three years, and is a notary public. In June, 1878, Mr. L'Hote removed to Mil- ford, and purchased the "Herald" of J. R. Fox, Esq., which paper he has since continued to publish, advocating the principles of the green- back party. The only break in his life as a printer occurred in 1846, when lie enlisted in the six-months Louisiana troops, called out by Gen. Taylor, served out his time, and was honorably discharged. He was married November 29, 1849, to Miss Charlotte Whaley. He is a Mark Master Mason and Good Templar.

Alba M. and Edgar A. Jones, dealers in hardware, stoves, lumber and coal, Milford, are twin sons of John and Anna Jones. They were born in Stockland, Iroquois county, Illinois, in 1857. The brothers have never separated 'from each other, always attending the same schools, and joining in the same pastimes. They were educated in the schools of their native town and at Valparaiso, Indiana. Together they commenced business March 1, 1879. They have quite recently established a lumber and coal-yard, and already have a profitable trade. Under the firm name of Jones Brothers they are already widely and favorably known. They are rapidly taking the lead in their special lines of business.

Charlie E. Smith, saddles and harness, Milford, was born in Warren county, Ohio, May 6, 1855. His parents are Thomas and Hope Smith. His grandfather served through the war of 1812. In 1859 the family moved to Thornton, Indiana, and thence to Vermilion county, Illinois, in 1877, where the parents still reside. Mr. Smith came to Milford in July, 1879, where he has succeeded in establishing himself in a thriv- ing business. He was married, February 2, 1879, to Miss Rosa Haas. He is a republican, an Odd-Fellow, and a member of the Methodist church.

Daniel G. Lee; dealer in general merchandise, Milford, the son of Benjamin G. and Polly M. Lee, was born in Griffin's Corners, New York, October 2, 1854. The father dealt in grain and merchandise. In 1857 the family came to Minnesota and conducted a farm. In 1862 Benjamin G. Lee was appointed a provost-marshal, and materially assisted in suppressing the Indian outbreak in that state. The town of Hutchinson, where the family lived, was once attacked by 200 Indians. Many settlers were killed before reaching the stockade, but Mr. Lee's family escaped. Their house, barns, crops, etc., were entirely destroyed. The family came to Kankakee in 1866, where they still

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reside. Daniel G. Lee came to Milford in May, 1879, and at once engaged in mercantile business. He was married to Miss Alice Merrick at Kankakee, January 1, 1874.

SHELDON TOWNSHIP ..

This township was named after Sheldon, a village within its limits. It comprises town 26 north, range 11 west ; and fractional town 26 north, range 10 west of the second principal meridian. The fraction is six miles long, north and south, and has an average breadth of about half a mile. It is occasioned by the divergence of the meridian from the state line. Sheldon township therefore has an area of thirty-nine square miles, or about 25,000 acres. It is located in the eastern tier of townships, nearly equidistant from the county limits north and south, and is bounded on the north, south and west by Concord, Stockland and Belmont townships, and on the east by the state of Indiana.

The surface, except about 300 acres of timber, though formerly 900, located in the extreme northwest portion of the township, and known as Lister's Point, is prairie. The southeastern portion is high and rolling land, known as the Blue Ridge, from which the country descends and becomes nearer level toward the north. The western side of the township is also high and very rolling, the ascent in some places being so abrupt as to form knolls. In the central portion and extending north the land is depressed and nearly level. The higher elevations of the township unfold to the sight a beautiful and far ex- tending landscape,-the scattering residences with their dense groves relieving the monotony of a purely prairie view and adding grandeur to the scene.

Owing to the lay of the land, effectual drainage, that essential feature necessary for the more successful cultivation of the prairie, is easily secured, and it is probable that within the near future not one acre in all the township will suffer for want of efficient drainage. There are no continuous water-courses, the nearest approach being Lister's branch, which was named after an early settler on its banks, and is caused by the drain from the center and eastern portion of the township. It forms a junction near the northwestern portion, and leaves the township about one-quarter mile east of the northwest corner. From the junction on down the stream the wooded banks gradually increase, until they become high and precipitous, forming a permanent pathway for the onward march of the waters in their

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HISTORY OF IROQUOIS COUNTY.

headlong race to the Iroquois. The southern portion of the town- ship is also drained to the Iroquois by those streams bearing the unromantic titles of Coon creek and Possum Trot run, the latter a tributary of the former. Both are slough or drain streams, existing only during the wet seasons, and disappear during the dry.

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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 69

Author: Beckwith, H. W. (Hiram Williams), 1833-1903 Publication date: 1880 Publisher: Chicago : H.H. Hill and Co. Number of Pages: 1180

Author: Beckwith, H. W. (Hiram Williams), 1833-1903
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: Chicago : H.H. Hill and Co.
Number of Pages: 1180