USA > Illinois > Jackson County > History of Jackson County, Illinois : with illustrations descriptive of its scenery and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 25
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In politics he has always been a Democrat; and his friends say they always know where to find John B. Kimball when it comes to an election. He is a very temperate man in all his habits, and since the age of fifteen he has never taken a dram of intoxicating liquors as a beverage. He is a man of the most straightforward rectitude in business ; and during his whole life he has never, personally, sued or been sued. His honesty is never put in question. Well has the poet said,-
" Who is the honest man ? Ile that doth still and strongly good pursue, To God, his neighbors, and himself most true; Whom neither foree nor fawning can Unpin, or trench from giving all their due."
He is in every sense of the word a self-made man ; and, as such, we take pleasure in presenting this sketch to our many readers. A portrait of Mr. Kimball and a view of his elegant residence appears elsewhere in this work.
Ho. THOMAS F. HORD,
Ex-Mayor of Murphysboro', was born in the State of Missouri, September 13, 1840, being the eldest living child of Dr. W. H. Hord (deceased) and Ann W. Hord, his wife. (The Doctor's biography also appears in this work.) Thomas F., when a youth, received his early training in the Public Schools of Murphysboro', and afterwards attended for a time "Jones' Commercial College," St. Louis.
On the breaking out of the late war, he enlisted in Company K of the 18thı Regiment, Illinois Infantry Volunteers, mustered in at Anna, Ill., in May, 1861, and almost immediately after proceeded to the seat of war, where he did good service in the battles of Fort Henry, Donaldson, Pittsburg- Landing, siege of Vicksburg, and capture of Little Rock, a few months after his entering the service. He was made Quartermaster-Sergeant of the regiment; mustered out after his term of enlistment had expired, at Spring- field, Illinois, June, 1864. On the re-organization of the regiment he became its Quartermaster, and was commissioned with the rank of First Lieutenant in March, 1865. In the meantime, from June until March of his re-enlist- ment, he was in the Government employ, located at Chattanooga. The regiment did garrison duty after its re-organization at Little Rock and Pine Bluff, Arkansas. The war being practically ended, he received his discharge in January, 1866, and in August of the same year he engaged in the drug business at Murphysboro', where he carries on one of the best drug stores in the county, as his education eminently fits him for the duties of a druggist, being very correct and accurate in the filling of prescriptions, etc., etc.
In April, 1868, he married Miss Elvira L. Aikin, of Jamestown, New York .. Four children were born to them-once since deceased, two boys and
one girl yet living. Mrs. Hord died at their residence, September 4, 1876. In reviewing his political history, we find in 1869 he was elected one of the Aldermen of the city ; on the expiration of his term re-elected ; . in 1873 was elected Mayor of the city. When the County went under township organization he was elected, January, 1874, Supervisor for the township of Murphysboro'; on the convening of that body he was selected as its chair- man ; re-elected to the same office, and the second time made Chairman of the Board. He filled all these several offices with rare satisfaction to his constituents ; went out of office with a pure record and a greater degree of popularity than when elected, since which time he has devoted bis attention to business, finding time however, for societies and institutions of benevolence.
Mr. Hord is a prominent mason, being a Knight Templar, now a member of Cyrene Commandery at Centralia, Ill. He is also one of the influential Republicans of his County. Such in brief is the record of his career. In social life Mr. Hord is one of the most genial of men, his conversational powers and ready wit rendering his society ever pleasant and agreeable. As a citizen he is enterprising and public-spirited, and has ever taken an active part in all matters calculated to advance the material interest of lis city and county.
ELBERT S. EASTERLEY (DECEASED)
WAS born in Middle Tennessee, July 10, 1828, and was the eleventh of twelve children of Casper and Elizabeth Easterley. They moved to Jackson County at an early day, and settled on the farmn where the widow of Elbert Easterley now resides. Elbert was about twenty-one years old when his parents moved to Illinois. His general business was always that of a farmer. On the 23d of March, 1854, he married Miss Ellen, the daughter of Joseph and Sarah Hinchcliff, who settled in Jackson County about the year 1828 or '29. They were both natives of England ; both now deceased. Mr. Easterley and wife had born to them eleven children ; four are dead. Those living are as follows : Mary Jane, the wife of Mr. Don Johnson ; Hernan Gatewood Easterley, Alice, William Henry, Harriet, Martha, and Elbert M., all un- married. Mr. Easterley was for many years a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, remaining a devout member all his life. In politics he was a Whig, and in latter years a Republican. He was for one term a mem- ber of the Board of County Commissioners, and was twice elected Justice of the Peace. · As a public-spirited citizen he was ever ready to assist in for- warding all enterprises calculated to benefit his community. His deathı took place at his residence February 25, 1875. He died as he had lived, a Christian, in the full confidence of a blissful hereafter. His widow, the partner of his early joys and sorrows, still survives him, living at the old homestead, and doing all that a mother's love can to educate and take care of her children.
FRANKLIN B. HANKS,
EX-SHERIFF of Jackson County, was born in Maury County, Tenn., Sept. 16, 1834. He is the eldest child of Thomas and Nancy Hanks. They were both natives of the above County and State. Mr. Hanks is descended from English ancestry, and his wife was of Teutonic origin. His time was prin- cipally employed as a planter, besides attending to the arduous duties of a missionary Baptist preacher, and occasionally teaching. His father, Rev. Elijah Hanks, grandfather of our subject, was also a Baptist clergyınan. In politics Mr. Hanks was a Democrat. In 1849 he moved to McNary County, Tennessee, lived there until 1857, then moved to and located in what is now Christian County, Missouri, where his wife died, in 1859. He still survives her, in the enjoyment of good health.
Franklin B., the subject of our sketch, is descended from a long line of ancestry noted for their piety and morality. His early advantages were reasonably good, and his boyhood days were divided between working on the farm in summer and attending school in the winter. In June, 1854, he married Miss Emily Lewis, the youngest daughter of John Lewis, one of the old and prominent inhabitants of McNary County. After his marriage he settled on a farm near the old home-place, and resided in that locality until 1863, when, in February of that year, owing to his strong attachment to the cause of the Union, he found it best to migrate. Hence he came to Illinois and settled with his family at Richview, Washington county. In the fall of 1863, he settled in De Soto, Jackson County, where for about three years he was engaged in merchandising, after which time he turned his attention to contracting and bridge building, and built about thirty thousand dollars
74
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
worth of bridges for Jackson county. After the County went under township organization, he was elected the first supervisor to represent De Soto town- ship, elected April, 1872, and in April, 1873, he was elected sheriff, to fill the vacancy occasioned by the death of James M. Campbell. It is said by the people that Sheriff Hanks made a most excellent officer. After his term of service expired, he returned to De Soto, where he engaged in fanning and stock-raising, until December, 1876, when Sheriff Sams appointed him deputy- sheriff; and whether as a sheriff or a deputy, he has always been found to be a prompt, reliable officer. In politics, up to 1860, he was a democrat, aud on the breaking out of the rebellion, being averse to a dissolution of the Union, he joined the Republican party, and has ever since been one of its earnest supporters, and in the County is regarded as one of its strong " wheel-horses." Mr. Hanks and wife have had a family of eleven children, four of whom are deceased, seven yet living. Mrs. Hanks is a member of the Methodist church. In glancing over the past career of Mr. Hanks, we find a man who in early life commenced with very little capital, but by industry and atten- tion to business, he accumulated considerable property. But on the breaking out of the war, he had to leave his property behind, and came to the free State of Illinois, here to commence anew ; and by that honesty and integrity which has characterized his whole life, he was not long in winning the confi- dence aud respect of his fellow-citizens, and the various offices which he has filled will attest the confidence reposed in him. As an officer, citizen and man, he is respected by all who have the pleasure of his acquaintance.
SHERIFF SAMS.
AMONG the many men who have become citizens of Jackson County, by adoption, and who have risen to prominence through their individual merits and force of character, appears the name of Benjamin F. Sams, a native of I'mion County, Illinois, boru June 16th, 1834, and is next to the youngest of a family of thirteen children, of Thomas M. and Sarah Sams, both of whom were natives of Ballard County, Ky. They moved to Union County, Ills., in 1811, where they resided until their death. Mr. Sams participated in the Black Hawk War as oue of the brave and gallant rangers of whose deeds of heroism and bravery the early annals of our state are so profuse. In politics he was a Whig, and an ardent admirer of Henry Clay, the able and eloquent expounder at that period of human liberty. The boyhood days of Benjamin were spent in assisting his father to carry on the farm. On the 6th of August, 1854, he was married to Miss Caroline Lookinbee, a member of one of the old families of Union County ; by that marriage they had three children, one daughter yet living. Mrs. Sams died December 4th, 1859, and on the 8th of August, 1861, MIr. Sams was married to Miss Catherine E. Harrison, of the same County. By that union four children were boru to them, three now de- ceased, and one daughter living. After the late civil war had been progress- ing for a time, Mr. Sams enlisted in Company D, 13th Regiment, Illinois Cavalry, commanded by Col. Marvel. They were mustered in at Camp But- ler, in the fall of 1863, aud soon after were ordered to Little Rock, Arkan- sas, where most of their time was speut in skirmishiug, and harassing the out-posts of the enemy. The hard marches and exposures incident to camp life so told on the health of Mr. Sams, that he was taken sick, in cousequence of which he was honorably discharged March 4th, 1865. Soon after his return home he entered the employ of the G. T. M. M. and T. Company, and opera- ted for that company about nine years.
He located permanently in Jackson County in the summer of 1868, and was married to his present wife, Mrs. Mary J. Jones, of St. Clair County, Ills., in Deccanber, 1870. Since 1860 Mr. Sams has been identified with the Repub- lican party in politics, and is one of the active and efficient workers for the success of the party in this County. In the fall of 1876 he was elected to the responsible office of Sheriff, and whether as a soldier, officer, or civilian, Benj. F. Sams has ever been found ready to do his duty.
W. S. ROGERS,
Was the son of Rev. W. H. Rogers, of St. Louis. He received his early education in Ohio, and at the age of fifteen he enlisted in the 60th Olio, and served until the close of the war. He was afterwards engaged in the dry goods and grocery business in Cincinnati for about five years. He then removed to Chicago, aud after the great fire opened the Revere House, which
he ran for about two years. He then went to St. Louis, and was engaged by Beard & Bro., of safe and lock notoriety. He traveled for them about four years. July, 1876, he began his endeavors towards having the Jack- son County Court-House improved, drew the first designs for Beard & Bro .; but the contract was afterwards let to Isaac Rapp, of this County. July 19th, 1877, he was united in marriage to Mrs. Skinner, a native of Jackson Coun- ty, since which he has been proprietor of the Logan House. His experience as a traveling man has peculiarly fitted him as a successful hotel man. He knows and understands the wauts and desires of the traveliug public, and is ever ready to make his house a pleasant stopping-place. With his social qualities and his natural and acquired abilities, he is destined to make his business a success. May prosperity attend him in all the varied walks of life.
GEORGE W. HILL,
ONE of the prominent young lawyers of the Jackson County Bar, was born at Ewing, Franklin County, Illinois, Oct. 31st, 1847. He is the fourth son of Hon. John W., and Margarett Hill. Mr. Hill was a native of the above county and state, and Mrs. Hill of Alabama. His vocation in early life was that of an humble tiller of the soil, but being a man of souud judgment he was twice elected Associate Judge, also filled one term as County Judge, and one term as Assessor, and Treasurer of his native county. Being a gen- tleman of literary taste, he was one of the founders of and a large stock, holder of Ewing College. Was one of the trustees of the College, also trea- surer, which office he held at the time of his death, which occurred July 29th, 1876. He took a deep interest in education and all other enterprises which would add to the prosperity of the county. As a candidate he was always successful, never having been beaten, and was one of the influential workers in the Democratic party. In early life he was fond of the sports of the chase, keeping a fine park of deer on his farm. His mansion was always the seat of a generous and liberal hospitality. He was a mau noted for religion and sobriety ; was a member of the Baptist church. His widow still survives him, residing at the old home.
George W., the subject of this sketch, in early boyhood spent his time in summer working on the farm, and attended school during the winter. At the age of twenty he entered upon a course of study at Ewing College, aud the last year spent most of his time teaching ; he also attended school at McKendree College, Lebanon, graduating from that Institution in the Latin and scientific departinent June, 1872, and in addition to his studies at school, read law and was admitted to the Bar at the June term of the Supreme Court 1875. The degree of LL.B., was conferred on him the same year by McKendree College. After he finished his course at college he returned home, and was elected Professor of the scientific department, and taught one year at Ewing College and was principal of the public school of Murphys- boro' for two years. In 1875 he formed a law partnership with J. Banks Mayham, which lasted two years, since whichi time he has been practicing alone, and by close attention to his professional duties has built up a lucrative practice. On Oct. 21st, 1875, he married Miss Fannie Eldert, daughter of Col. W. Z. Ingram, M.D, of Murphysboro'; by that union they have had one daughter, Nellie. Mrs. Hill is a member of the M. E. Church; Mr. Hill is a prominent member of the masonic order. In politics he has always been a staunch member of the Democratic party, and wields a large influence in his party, believing that the office ought to seek the man and not the man the office. He has never allowed his name to be used for any office, but has preferred to make his mark as a lawyer. By his close attention to busi- ness, and genial and courteous manners, he has won a host of friends, and we bespeak for him eminent success in his profession.
DR. OSCAR L. MAHONEY.
DR. OSCAR L. MAHONEY, son of James W. and Amanda M. Mahoney, was born on the 7th day of March, 1839, in Dandrage, on the French Broad River, Jefferson County, Tennessee. Studied medicine in Madison, Indiana; graduated on the 1st day of March, 1867, at the Medical College of Ohio. Has lived in Murphysboro' ten years, having practiced medicine and surgery during said time, and made ophthalmic surgery for several years a specialty.
Grund Pouly
your Jauly,
Yours Truly Rotta 1. Hamilton
Charkirkham
JOSEPH ROBARTS
J. B. Kimball,
75
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
JUDGE URBANE E. ROBINSON,
WAS born in Christian County, Kentucky, Oct. 26th, 1805. He was the eldest child of James and Sarah Robinson. The elder Robinson, war born in the "Old Dominion," and settled with his parents at an early day in Kentucky, where he died when his son U. E., was about two years and a half old. In September, 1809, Mrs. Robinson and her son came to the then ter- ritory of Illinois, and settled on a tract of land on Hudgen's Creek, in the territory now embraced in Union County, remained there until 1811, when they moved to a place on the Mississippi River, where Preston now is, and lived there until 1812. When on the breaking out of the war with England, deeming it more safe away from the river, with two other families they set out on another move, this time locating on Cash-Creek, near where Old Al- vird stands. Lived at that place until 1815, then moved to Missouri and settled on Apple Creek, in what is now Perry County, returned to Jackson County, Illinois, in 1817, and commenced to work for Col. Gill at the Devil's- Bake-oven, Grand Tower, remained with him until he was married, which occurred Oct. 26th, 1825, to Miss Pelnelope E. Bradshaw, daughter of William Bradshaw. After his marriage, Mr. Robinson settled on a farm at the " Big-Hill," where he remained three years. In the year 1829, he moved to a farm now embraced in the limits of Ridge Township, which was his home for many years. By the above marriage, Mr. Robinson and wife had nine children, eight of whom grew to man and womanhood, five of whom are still living. The venerable subject of our biography has been an office- holder for more than half a century. In 1826, he was elected constable, and served three years. In 1830, elected a Justice of the Peace, and by constant re-elections he held that office for twenty-four years. In 1832 he was elected one of the County Commissioners of Jackson County, and by re-election was continued in that office twelve years. Besides holding the above offices he was Postmaster from 1834 until 1849, when the Central Railroad was built, and . the mail route changed. After being County Commissioner, he was subse- quently elected twice Associate Judge of the County. About the year 1870, he moved to his present residence, ou lris farm near Murphysboro'.
In 1826, Judge Robinson joined the Methodist Church, but his religious views, undergoing a change, he became a convert to the Baptist Church in 1845. In August, 1869, Mrs Robinson, the partner of his early days, and the sharer of his pioneer perils, passed away breathing her last in the home in which so many of her happy years had been spent. On the 12th of Oct. 1870, Mr. Robinson was married to Brettanna Jacobs. By that marriage one daughter has been born to them. In politics in early life, he became a Democrat, and acted with that party until 1862, since which time he has been among the faithful supporters of the Republican party, and during the late civil war he was the friend of the cause of the Union. When we turn back and reflect over the long years of his eventful life, we find in him cor- rectly portrayed, many of those requisite qualities of brains and muscle, so necessary in the early history of our state. He lived here many years before our state was born, and witnessed those infantile struggles and efforts toward greatness. When he settled in the Territory of Illinois, it was then a wilder- ness, inhabited only by wild animals and wild men : he has witnessed wonder- ful changes, having seen cities spring up in places where before, the curling smoke of the Indians wigwam could have been seen. Railroads and tele- graphs, have taken the place of the old-fashioned stage coach, and post rider, and amidst all these great changes, he has preserved a character for honesty and righteousness, so typical of the early pioneers.
GEORGE W. SMITH.
IN the list of those who have risen to prominence, and reflected credit upon the city and county of their adoption, the subject of this brief memoir is entitled to honorable mention.
Mr. Smith is a native of Putnam County, Ohio, born August 18th, 1846. He is the eighth of a family of ten children, of James and Agnes Smith. James Smith was born in Scotland, and settled in Ohio in the year 1818. His wife was a native of Belmont County, Ohio, and was of Irish extraction. When George was about four years old his parents moved to Posey County, Indiana : and a few months afterwards settled in Wayne County, Illinois ; and it was in the last named county that George first commenced to attend common schools. In September, 1865, he became a student at Mckendree College, Lebanon, and graduated from that institution with honor, in 1868, in the Scientific Department. Immediately after he commenced the study of
the law, at Fairfield, Wayne County, Illinois, in the office of Robinson & Boggs. Subsequently he attended Law School at Bloomington, Indiana, graduating in 1870, and in July of the same year he entered on the practice of his profession at Murphysboro', and so popular did he soon become that he was three times elected City Attorney of Murphysboro', filling the position with marked ability and credit to himself. In January, 1877, he formed a law partnership with Richard J. Stephens. He is also a bright Mason, being ac the writing of this a Sir Knight. In the every-day walks of life Mr. Smith is an estimable and genial gentleman, and is a citizen with a highly enterprising bent of mind, and a nature that is at once frank, candid, and generous, the aim of his life being to " Render unto Cæsar the things which are Cæsar's." As a lawyer, he has met with fine success, and takes rank to- day with the cultured and honorable members of the bar, and is an ornament to the bar of which he is a member. Honest, prompt, and upright, with those who entrust their business in his hands, he has won an excellent repu- tation for fairness and integrity of character.
JOSEPH P. ROBARTS.
JOSEPH P. ROBARTS, one of the prominent and rising men of Southern Illi- nois, is quite a young man. He was born near Alton, Madison County, in this state, on the 2d of March, 1849. He is the eldest child of Dr. James and Sarah Robarts, who are now residents of this (Jackson) County. His elementary education was acquired in the public schools of his native state. When only fourteen years old he had made sufficient progress in his studies, to enable him to enter the Illinois Military Academy, at Fulton, Whitesides County, Illinois. He remained there four years, devoting himself assiduous- ly and honestly to the task, or rather, judging from his success, the pleasure of getting knowledge. He graduated with honor at the early age ef eighteen, and such had been his progress and efficiency that he was commissioned a 1st Lieutenant by Governor Yates. After graduating he determined to learn a trade, and selected that of a printer, to which he apprenticed himself, and suc- ceeded in acquiring a thorough and practical knowledge of the business in all its details. Were a volume written, it could not tell more forcibly, or show in a stronger light the strong sense and sound judgment of Mr. Robarts, in thus, contrary, we might say, to all precedent, going from the college into the work-shop. In 1870, when only in his 21st year, he founded the Carbondale Advertiser, a paper published at Carbondale, Illinois, and which he shortly after disposed of, in order to accept the position of Deputy United States Mar- shal under Col. Roe.
In 1873 he started at Murphysboro', Illinois, a Republican Journal, called the Jackson County Era, in which he still assists in the editorial department.
Mr. Robarts is an active and influential member of his party, and has several times served as one of the Republican Central Committee-men for his County. During the 28tli General Assembly he was Assistant Door-keeper of the House of Representatives. He was married, October 22d, 1875, to Miss Lillie Ozburn, daughter of Col. Siudorf Ozburn, now deceased. For so young a man, Mr. Robarts has certainly accomplished a great deal, and his worth and character are attested by his fellow-citizens, in calling upon him to fill numerous responsible public positions, among them that of dele- gate to various state and congressional conventions. His duties, both as a public man and private citizen, have always been performed to the entire satisfaction of all concerned, and stamp him an honest and sincere gentleman.
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