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 26
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PROF. R. J. YOUNG.
PROMINENT among the names worthy of a place in this work, is that of Prof. R. J. Young. Prof. Young was born about four miles from Alton, Madison County, Illinois, September 2d, 1833. He is the fifth child of Rev. John C. and Martha (Harris) Young. His father was a clergyman of the Christian denomination, having been a minister for over one-third of a century. He was born in the Old Dominion, and is descended from a long line of Irish ancestry. In 1818 he moved with his parents to Illinois, who settled in Madison County. It was here that our subject received his early education, subsequently attended Shurtleff College, and afterwards became a student and graduated at Jones' College, St. Louis, April 24th, 1854. The condi- tion of his health required out-door employment, and for about two years he was engaged in Nock dealing, after which he went to St. Paul, Minnesota, where he became head clerk in a wholesale and retail Grocery House.
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HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
He was united in matrimony, October 9th, 1856, to Miss Ellen A. Wear, daughter of David Wear, of Woodburn, Macoupin County, Illinois, by which union they have had five children, but two of whom are living, viz., Ida M. and Dickie Banks Boulter.
In 1857 he left St. Paul, and located at Woodburn, Illinois, and in April, 1861, he enlisted as a three months' volunteer, in company F, of 7th Illinois Regiment, which soon after became a part of Gen. Preuts' brigade. He was mustered out at Mound City, Illinois, July 25th, 1861.
The Professor moved in 1863 to Litchfield, Montgomery County, Illinois, where he taught upward of three years a select school. In 1868 he went to Carbondale, and was appointed professor of vocal music in the Southern Illinois Normal University.
October 1st, 1868, he became principal of the schools of Murphysboro', which position he held for five consecutive years, and during the vacations held normal sessions.
Prof. Young has for many years been a member of the Christian church. In politics he is a Democrat. The professor deserves a prominent place in the rank of educators, and is a genial, cultured and Christian gentleman.
S. A. HOLLIDAY
WAS born in Tennessee, Oct. 26th, 1814. His father, David Holliday, emi- grated to Illinois, and settled in what is now Jackson County, in the year 1815. His father improved a farm, where the subject of our sketch was brought up and educated to farm life, which has been his life-long occupa- tion. He endured all the hardships incident to a pioneer life ; for this country was then indeed a howling wilderness, inhabited only by Indians and the very few pioneers. His advantages for receiving an education were very limited, as schools in those days were very sparse, and children had to go a long distance to attend them, as the few settlers could not afford to hire many teachers in a county. Mr. Holliday lived at home and assisted on the farm, in the mill and blacksmith shop, until he was married, at the age of twenty- two (Nov. 22d, 1838) to Miss Rebecca Will. To this union they had a family of seven children. His wife died after sixteen years of married life. He was again married Dec. 22d, 1854, to Miss Nancy E. Worthen, by whom he had a family of two children. After twenty-two years' happiness with his second partner, she died Nov. 10, 1876. Soon after his first marriage he entered a piece of land, and like all early settlers, he built him a cabin and settled down in earnest to transform a dense forest into a tillable farm (two hundred acres in extent) which he yet owns, about one hundred and forty acres of it is under cultivation. In the year 1871 he moved to Murphys- boro', where he has since resided. Politically, he is a Republicau, but prior to the late war he was a staunch Democrat. He is a member of the Lutheran Church, and has endeavored to bring up his family religiously, instilling into their youthful minds, by example and moral teachings, the doctrines of Chris- tianity. His children have grown up to be a blessing to him in his declining years, which is otherwise blessed with peace and prosperity. During the sixty-two years that S. A. Holliday has resided in the County, he has been a close observer, as well as ardept worker in the varied scencs which have taken place. To-day churches, school-houses, and substantial farm dwellings, are crccted, where formerly (within his recollection) the smoke of the wigwam ascended through the dense forest of timber, then the home of the wild savage and wilder animals not of the genus homo. For perseverance, industry and tact, Mr. Holliday has always been noted, and enjoys now in ease and com- fort, the result of these sterling qualifications.
WILLIAM BRADLEY, SR.,
WAS the son of Joshua and Nancy Bradley. Joshua Bradley was a native of Pennsylvania, and of Irish descent. He was raised in North Carolina,- and after his marriage emigrated to Tennessee, where he remained for about twenty years; he then turned his face westward, and with his family, consisting of wife and five children, emigrated to and settled in Jackson County, Illinois, near where Campbell Hill now is. n the year 1820, he was among the earliest settlers of that part of the county, and Bradley township received its name in honor of the Bradley family The subject of our sketch was born in Sumner County, Tennessee, Feb. 13th, 1814, being about six years of age when his father settled in
this new county. He assisted ou the farm during his minority, and went to school in broken terms, to the amount of about eleven mouths, being all the schooling he received. But by close application in after life, he ac- quired a very liberal education. Dec. 18th, 1834, he was united in marriage to Miss Serana Draper, a native of Jackson County, Tennessee. He never left the old homestead, but built a house near his father's, and remained until the year 1869, where he raised a family of three children. In the year 1869, he moved to Murphysboro,' where he has since resided. In the year 1849, he was elected to the office of Associate Justice for a term of four years. At the expiration of that time, he was elected to the office of County Judge, which office he held for four years, and agaiu iu 1869, he was re-elected to the office of County Judge for a term of four years, making twelve years he served the county as Judge and Associate Justice. In the year 1858, hc ran for the Legislature. Being three tickets in the field, he was defeated. Politically, he is a Democrat. Religiously, he is a member of the Free Will Baptist Church, which, in doctrine and belief, is the same as the General Baptist. In 1852, he was ordained as a minister in the General Bap- tist Church ; he has been preaching in connection with the General and Free Will Baptist Church, since that time. He is a social, whole-souled, genial and upright man. Long may he live to bless the circle of friends whose burdens of life are sweeteued by his words of counsel and by the influ- ence of his pure and upright life.
GILBERT J. BURR.
IN the subject of this brief memoir, we have a representative type of the energetic, self-made and successful editors and publishers, who, by their legiti- mate business alone, have risen to promiuence, and in this connectiou we may with truth add, that in our judgment, the newspaper business has reached a transitory stage. Editors of strong individuality, like Horace Greeley, Henry J. Raymond, James Gordon Bennett and George D. Prentice, who came down to us like vast boulders on the glaciers 'of time, in the last days of their journalistic careers, stood solitary and alone, and indeed secmed to belong, (as they did really) to a different age than our own. The men who are now taking the lead, and will succeed to their places eventually, have equal culture, more cleverness, and are better trained than their predecessors ; while they are no less earnest and animated by lofty aims. The Bohemian class has been eliminated, and, however we may admire their brilliant talent, their fate was well deserved. The representative editor is now a family mau ; works regularly and not spasinodically, and has some idea of the dignity and responsibility, as well as the license of his calling ; to this class belougs the subject of this sketch, and with the improved type of journalism, to which reference has been made, there has begun a new and improved style of writing. Bombast and stilted rhetoric, and constant straining for effect, are being replaced by simplicity and vigor of language, logic, wit, aud humor, and courtesy of tone.
G. J. Burr is the second son of Remus and Susan Burr, born Sept. 23d, 1837, at Cuba, Allegheny County, New York.
Remus Burr died when his son Gilbert was only six years old. The early educational advantages of young Burr were limited, and much of his culture is due to 'his individual exertions, rather than by the assistance of teachers. After he became old enough to earn the money necessary to defray his ex- peuses, he spent three terms at Olean Academy, after which, he went to Pennsylvania and taught school for a time, In October, 1859, he settled in Jackson County, Illinois. In December, 1861, he enlisted in company E. of Stewart's Battalion of Cavalry, took part in the battles of Island No. 10, Fort Pillow, Corinth, Iuka, and Big Creek, Arkansas, and -several other minor engagements. In June, 1863, he was made Quarter Master Sergeant, subsequently promoted to the rank of orderly Sergeant, and mustered out after having served three years and four months; returned to Jackson County and engaged in farming in Sand Ridge township. In the fall of 1865, he was elected Circuit Clerk. In 1868, he was a candidate on the Republican ticket, for the office of Sheriff, and by the board of canvassers, declared elected, but thrown out on contest. In 1870, he was appointed Deputy United States Marshall, and took the census of Jackson County that year. In 1871, elected County Treasurer, re-elected in 1873, and is now a member at large on the State Republican Central Committee, and is, also, a promi- nent Odd Fellow. As an official, he has brought to the duties of his office, that ability and tact required to make an honest and popular official ; in his social and domestic relations he has been equally happy. On the 27th of
PRINTING
OFFICE
OFFICE OF THE GRAND TOWER ITEM. GRAND TOWER ILL. PROPRIETOR J.P. STOCKTON EDITOR M. F. SWORTZCOPE.
HILL
LAW OFFICE
DEALER IN DRY GOODS
R. ZILD GRUCERTES
VIEW OF THE STORES OF PHILLIP KIMMEL JR DEALER IN DRY GOODS; GROCERIES, PROVISIONS, HARDWARE WOODEN & WOLLEN WARES &C. MURPHYSBORO ILLINOIS.
DRY GOODS SAMUEL DESBERGEN . CLOTHING
SAL
DESBERGER
BUILDING. COURT HOUSE SQUARE MUPHYSBORO ILLINOIS
STOCK FARM RESIDENCE OF WM. WALLER SEC. 27 T.9 R. 2 (MURPHYSBOROTP) JACKSON CO.ILL.
THE RESIDENCE OF CHAS. KIRKHAM MURPHYSBORO ILL.
THE RESIDENCE OF J. B. MAYHAM MURPHYSBORO ILL.
INTERIOR VIEW OF THOS F.HORD'S DRUG STORE MURPHYSBORO ILL. THE RESIDENCE OF ROBT. W. HAMILTON MURPHYSBORO |LL.
Yours Prospectfully AR Dugh
Many native-born Americans look with prejudice upon those who come to our shores from other countries, and who, to make this country the home of their adoption, forsake the land of their nativity, and all that is near and tender in early associations, and cross oceans and seas in order that they may enjoy the political, social, and religious institutions, peculiar to our Republic. It should be remembered that the foreigner becomes a citizen by choice, not by chance, and if our ship of state becomes entangled among the rocks of sectional convulsions, and is threatened with being drawn down in the whirlpool of political and religious passion, that these hardy sons of her adoption are the last to forsake her deck, and will always be found close to the signal guns of her distress.
Mr. A. R. Pugh is a native of South Wales, having been born August 17, 1846, being the youngest of nine children of the Rev. Thomas Pugh, and Elizabeth Roberts, his wife. The Rev. Mr. Pugh being desirous to remove to a country that would offer better facilities for the education and general welfare of his growing family-decided to come to the New World-and after casting a last lingering look at the beautiful green verdured hills, pleasant village, and checkered landscape, of his own native Wales, he em- barked on a vessel-bound for New York-in mid-winter of 1848, and after a pleasant voyage landed in safety, and in April of the same year, came to St. Louis, residing there a short time, then removed to Caseyville, St. Clair County, Illinois. Mr. Pugh was a gentleman of considerable education and culture, great benevolence of character, and purity of Christian principles. He died in the midst of his labors on the 17th of August, 1851. His widow survived him twenty years, doing what she could to educate and take care of her children. Her death took place at Duquoin, Illinois, April 15, 1871. Young Pugh, as will be observed, was very young when his father died, and he was thrown largely on his own resources. When a boy he attended the common schools of St. Clair, Gallatin, and Perry Counties, Illinois, was a
student for a short time at the high school, Duquoin,-being imbued with the principles of liberty, and a patriotic love for his adopted country, when her institutions were imperiled and her flag in danger. He enlisted, Jan- uary 1863, in Company F. 13th Regiment, Illinois Cavalry, mustered in at Springfield,-afterwards stationed at Pine Bluff and Little Rock, Arkansas, where most of their time was spent in skirmishing and doing garrison duty. Was honorably discharged, September 1865, returned to Perry County, and commenced reading law in the office of Colonel Towns. He also attended Judge Duff's Law School, at Benton, Illinois, returned to Duquoin, and be- came a student of Hon. George W. Wall. In September, 1869, he entered the senior class of the Law Department of the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, graduating with honors in the close of '70, opened a law office in Duquoin, and in '72 removed to Murphysboro, and in the fall of the same year he was nominated by the Republican party, for the office of State At- torney, and after a spirited contest with his opponent, the Hon. J. B. May- ham, he was elected, and filled the onerous position with fidelity and ability for four years, and the people of the county will have cause to always re- member him as a most vigilent and able officer, in one of the most perilous times in the history of the county. He was married November 1873 to Miss Delia C. Hodges, daughter of James Hodges of Jackson County. By that union they have had two children, a boy and a girl. In politics he has always, from boyhood, been a convert to and advocate of the grand and patriotic principles of the Republican party. As a lawyer Mr. Pugh is methodical, observing the strictest order in all his business transactions. His success as a lawyer lies in this, and in the clearness with which he per- ceives all the points that arise in the case, which he may have under con- sideration. In his arguments he is always clear, forcible, and to the point, and a man of warm impulses, and fine social qualities.
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HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
May, 1867, he was married to Miss Emma B., daughter of Judge Swartze- cope, of this county. By that union they have had four children, Albert R., Howard H., Stella A. and Shirley Legrand Burr.
As we have indicated, Mr. Burr is a live editor, and in the management of the Era, he has given considerable vigor and humor to it, which is typical of the man ; on the living vital political issues of the day, he is thoroughly sound.
R. J. STEPHENS
Is a native of Clinton County, Illinois, was born April 21, 1849, and is the seventh of a family of ten children, of John J. and Lydia M. Stephens. Mr. Stephens was born near Frankford, Kentucky, and is of Scotch and Irish descent. Mrs. S. is a native of St. Clair County, Illinois, and was born of English parents, who settled at an early period in Pennsylvania.
Mr. Stephens, of whom this sketch is written, passed his boyhood days on a farm with his father, and received his early education in the district schools, and afterwards attended M'Kendree College one year. He employed his time in teaching and farming until 1872.
In September, 1869, he was married to Miss Lydia L. Creel, daughter of Berry Crcel, an old resident of Clinton County, who was among the first members of the Legislature from Clinton County.
Mrs. R. J. Stephens, died in March, 1872, and the following September he commenced reading law in the office of G. Van Hoorebeke, of Carlyle, con- tinued with him for one year and a half, and completed his course in the office of Hon. Henry A. Clover, of St. Louis, and was admitted to the Bar in that city, in 1874; also admitted in Illinois, the following October. In November of '74, he engaged in the practice at Murphysboro', and in Janu- ary of the following year he formed a law partnership with Geo. W. Smith. He was again united in matrimony, May, 1875, to Miss Addie M. Gall, of Central City, Monroe County, Illinois, which union has been blessed with one daughter.
In politics, Mr. S. was originally a Democrat, but has changed his views to the Greenback party, and was solicited by that party to become a candi- date for County Judge.
Since residing in Murphysboro', he has, by his ready business tact and energy, won for himself a host of friends, and is regarded as among the rising lawyers of Jackson County.
He has successfully handled several prominent cases. His forte is not so much in the ability as an advocate before a jury, but rather in his sound erudition and knowledge of the law.
WILLIAM WALLER, EsQ.
AMONG the energetic citizens and leading agriculturists of Murphysboro' township, may properly be mentioned the name of Mr. Waller, the youngest child of Joseph and Mary Waller, both of whom were Georgians, and both came the territory of Illinois with their parents. Her father settled on the banks of the Mississippi River, and Joseph Waller's parents settled in Mis- souri, on the Mississippi, and it was there they married, near where they con- tinued to live for many years. Until the earthquake took place at New Madrid, they concluded to leave that locality, and moved on the Illinois side of the river, near Vausler's ferry, and settled on a farm now embraced in Union County, Illinois. He paid for his farm two dollars and fifty cents per acre. Joseph Waller was a ranger, and fought in the Indian battle of " Boone's Lick." The exposures of that campaign so debilitated his health and constitution, that he was taken sick with that dread disease consumption, which eventually caused his death.
William Waller was born March 26th, 1824. The first school he attended was in the summer time, and kept in an old log stable, without any of the necessary conveniences, except wooden puncheon benches and a ground floor. The school was kept by John Dougherty, of Jonesboro', since better known as Governor and Judge, and Mr. Waller is pleased to recite many of the happy episodes that occurred during the then interesting period to him, his first school term. On the 14th of August, 1846, he was married to Sarah Diskins. She survived their marriage only a year and a day. In the fall, after her death, Mr. W. moved to Jackson County, and settled on the farm where he now resides, a lithograph view of which can be seen on another page of this work. September 31st, 1849, he married Lucinda Lipe, daughter of
John Lipe. By that marriage, four children were born to them, two boys and two girls. Sarah is the wife of Samuel Crawshaw, and Mary, is the widow of De Witt Crogan. They both reside in this township.
Mrs. Waller died, June 13th, 1864, and Mr. W., was married to his present wife, Mary Ann Hagler, Dec. 4th, 1864. As the fruits of that union, five children have been born to them, all of whom are living. Early in life our subject in politics, was a Democrat, but on the breaking out of the late rebellion, he became a Republican. He was an ardent admirer of Stephen A. Douglas and his war measures, and the second time, he records with pleasure, his vote for the noble and illustrious Lincoln. Mr. W. is among the largest and wealthiest farmers of Jackson County, and a citizen who has the respect of all.
DR. M. G. PARSONS,
A WELL-KNOWN and prominent physician of Murphysboro' and Jackson County, was born in Medina, Ohio, June 15, 1836, being the youngest child of Jabez and Nellie Parsons. The forefathers of Mr. Parsons were natives of New Hampshire, and his wife was born in the Green Mountain State. He died in 1863, at the age of seventy-three years. His widow is still living in Ohio at the good old age of eighty-five years. The Doctor, when a youth, received his literary culture at Mt. Blanchard Seminary, Ohio ; and when twenty years of age began reading medicine with Dr. S. L. Clark, of Mt. Blanchard.
On the breaking out of the late rebellion, fired by that patriotism and love of country for which the sons of Ohio were so noted, soon found young Par- sons in the army. Having for the time thrown aside his text-books on the healing art for the implements of rude warfare, we find him in the summer of 1862 enlisted as a soldier in the 99th Ohio Regiment. He served with com- mendable heroism and bravery for sixteen months. While taking part in a raid he received a sabre wound, in consequence of which disability he re- ceived an honorable discharge, returned to his home, and resumed the study of his chosen profession. He came West, and commenced the practice at St. Mary's, Mo., in 1865; attended the St. Louis Medical College, gradua- ting from that institution in the winter of 1867, and in the winter of 1868-69 attended a review course of lectures at the Chicago Medical College. In 1867 he located at Chester, Ill., and afterwards lived for a time at Shiloh Hill, Randolph County. On 12th November, 1860, he married Miss S. J. Main, of Ohio. She died at Shiloh Hill, August 3, 1869. A short time after two children (twins) followed her to the tomb. One son by that union still survives. Dr. Parsons became a resident of Murphysboro' in the year 1863, since which time he has enjoyed a fair share of the practice. Being a genial and courteous gentleman he has won many friends. In politics he always selects the best men to vote for, regardless of political affiliations. He is also a member of the Lutheran Church. On the 31st May, 1876, he was married to the accomplished Miss Phronia Robarts, daughter of Dr. Robarts, Carbondale. One daughter has been born to them to bless and make happy their lives.
JAMES E. MOORE,
BETTER known as Mayor Moore, was born in Springfield, Illinois, January 30th, 1843. His parents, James and Elizabeth Moore, werc among the old settlers of Sangamon County. James Moore was a native of Georgia, his wife of Indiana. The subject of our sketch received his education in the schools of Peoria, Illinois, and Burlington, Iowa, and attended for a time the commercial college at Elmira, New York. On the 9th of May, 1861, he enlisted in company C, 18th regiment Illinois volunteers, mustered in at Anna, Illinois, and joined the main army at Bird's Point, Missouri, and subsequently took part in the engagements at Fort Henry, Donaldson, Shiloh, and siege of Corinth ; quartered for a time at Jackson, Tennessee, afterwards transferred to the Mississippi river ram fleet, on board the gun-boat Lancaster; after- wards transferred to the Monarch, and run the blockade; cruised for a time as convoys up and down the Mississippi, Red, Tennessee, Cumberland and Ohio rivers. It would require an article longer than our space would permit to follow the operations of the regiment of which Mr. Moore was a member. He was discharged June, 1864, at Springfield ; re-enlisted February 9th, 1865, in the second regiment Hancock's corps of veterans, mustered in at Washington City, subsequently stationed at Winchester, Virginia, Washington City, Elmira, New York, and New Haven, Connecticut; discharged at Hart-
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HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
ford, Connecticut, February 9th, 1866, and on the next day was married to Miss Ella Rocelia Bailey, of New Haven, Connecticut. In March following, located at Frankfort, Franklin County, Illinois ; returned to Connecticut in the winter of 1867; and Mrs. Moore died May 9th, 1867; and the 20th of the same month Mr. Moore returned to Illinois, and for a short time was express messenger on the Illinois Central Railroad ; afterwards receiving and disbursing clerk on the Terre-Haute Railroad. In January, 1869, he came to Murphysboro', and has for a time acted as constable and deputy-sheriff. October, 1869, he married Mrs. Minerva A. Benoist, who died August 28th, 1877. Mr. Moore has for many years been a member of the Odd Fellows Society.
HON. JOHN M. GILL, JR.,
MAYOR of Murphysboro', is a native of Jackson County, born Nov. 28, 1833. He is the fifth child of a family of eight children, of John and Nancy Gill, old residents of this County.
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