USA > Illinois > Jefferson County > History of Jefferson County, Illinois > Part 62
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W. A. BOGGS, farmer, P. O. Dix, was born in Marion County, Ill., Jannary 21, 1833, to S. A. and Martha (Kell) Boggs. He was born in
North Carolina in 1801 ; she in South Carolina about 1808. They were married in North Car- olina, and came to Illinois in 1826, settling in Marion County within one-quarter mile of the Jefferson County line. Both died in that county-she in 1856, he in 1873. His occupa- tion had always been that of farming and stock- raising, and at the time of his death owned about 700 acres of land which he had pur- chased from the Government, and was well known in Marion County as a good business man and stock-dealer. In early life he was a Whig in politics, but in later years was a Re- publican. He enlisted in the Black Hawk war, but it closed before the company got into the field For many years he was a prominent member of the Reformed Presbyterian Church, contributing largely toward the construction and maintenance of houses of worship, and for over twenty years was Treasurer of the church. Ile was the father of fifteen children, there be- ing a triplet of sons who died in infancy. Of the fifteen only three now survive-William A., Hugh, and Mrs. Sarah Telford. Our snb- jeet was reared in Marion County, and had the advantages of good common schools. ITis oc- cupation has always been that of farming. In 1855, he came to his present farm, which con- tains 150 acres, ten of which are in orchards. October 16, 1852, he was married, in Perry County, Ill., to Miss Sarah E. McMillan, a na- tive of that county, and daughter of James S. McMillan. This union has been blest with seven children, viz .: James A .; Jane, wife of Franklin Campbell; Margaret, wife of Jolin Hayes; Lora (deceased), wife of Elmer Ilayes; Lucy, wife of D. Norfleet; Charles and Ada. He and family are members of the church, and all but one son of the U. P. Church. He is an ardent worker in the Sunday school cause. In politics, he is a Republican, and has always taken an active part on political questions, and has held various township offices.
JOSEPH BOLES, farmer, P. O. Walnut
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Hill, was born in Indiana September 27, 1841, to Hugh and Lethe (Reed) Boles. He was of Irish parentage, and was either born in Ireland or soon after his parents came to America. She was of English parents, and is still living. He died in this county. Of their family of children, five are still living, and by her second marriage she has one child. Our subject was reared on a farm and mostly in this county, and also educated here. In 1861, he enlisted in Company F, Forty-ninth Illinois Volunteer In- fantry, Capt. Jones, Col. Morrison, but served only for about eighteen months, when he was discharged on account of disability, he having contracted rheumatism in the service. In the spring of 1865, he was married to Miss Harriet Breeze, daughter of Owen Breeze, of Centralia, a retired farmer. This union has been blest with six children, viz .: Alice, Owen, Otto, Em- met, and the twins, Maud and Mabel. In 1867, they moved to their present farm, which con- tains 336 aeres, and in high state of cultivation, and on which he raises stock and grain. Heis a member of Walnut Hill Lodge, I. O. O. F., No. 710. In politics, he is a Republican. He and wife are members of the Christian Church.
eight of whom still survive, six residing in this county. Our subject has resided in this county since 1823, and received his education in the early schools of the county. He served during the Black Hawk war, and also in the Mexican war. During the latter, he was engaged in the battles of Cerro Gordo and Vera Cruz. Jan- nary 12, 1838, he settled on his present farm of 100 acres. He entered land from the Govern- ment at $1.25 per acre. February 13, 1834, he was married to Jane Brown, a native of Smith County, Tenn., and daughter of James and Sally (Clayborn) Brown, natives of South Carolina. He died in Tennessee a short time before the birth of Mrs. Bruce. About 1828 or 1830, Mrs. Brown moved to this county, and died about 1854. Mr. and Mrs. Bruce have had ten children, six of whom are still living-Francis M. (deceased), Charlotte, Sally (deceased), Martha A., James D., Malissa, Mary (de- ceased), Samantha (deceased), Alice and Aza- riah. For many years he and wife have been members of the Christian order. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., Rome Lodge, No. 394, and has represented his. lodge in the Grand Lodge. In politics, he is a Democrat, and takes an active part toward securing the success of his party.
M. D. BRUCE, farmer, P. O. Dix, was born in Wilson County, Tenn., March 19, 1812, to Azariah and Patsy (Keeling) Bruce, natives of S. W. CARPENTER, miller, Dix, was born in Knox County, Ky., January 5, 1812, son of Benjamin and Melea (Shook) Carpenter. Her father, William Shook, was a native of Ger- many, and her mother an Englishwoman. Both died in Bedford County, Tenn. Our subject's father was engaged in boating on the Mississippi River at the time of his death, but his family resided in Indiana at the time. Ilis widow then removed to Tenuessee with her family to her people, where they resided until January, 1830, when they came to Jefferson County, where she died. She was the mother of seven children, only two of whom still sur- vive-our subject and Jesse W., now of Texas. Virginia, he the son of Michael Bruce, a native of Scotland. In Virginia, Azariah Bruce was married to the mother of our subject, and in 1801 emigrated to Tennessee. During his res- idenee in Tennessee, he enlisted in the army, serving in the war of 1812, being at the battle of New Orleans. In 1823, he emigrated to Jefferson County, Ill., and continued to follow his chosen profession of farming, taking quite a pride in keeping his farm in perfect order. He died in this county about 1854, his wife having died a short time before. He had passed his seventy-seventh year of age, and had served a number of terms as County Commis- sioner. He was the father of thirteen children, | Our subject has made this county his home
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since 1830. Till about 1860, he had given his entire attention to farming. He then, in part- nership with his son, William R., purchased their present mill, which they have run to do custom grinding. He also has a farm of sev- enty-seven acres, which he oversees. March 7, 1833, he was married to Lucinda O. Stockton. She was born in Illinois, daughter of Robert and Phoebe Stockton. Twelve children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Carpenter, nine of whom still survive-Phoebe C. (Maxey), Will- iam R., Robert W., Margaret (Spiller), Mary L. (Frost), Jemima M. (Beagle), Sarah T. (Will- iams), Helen M. (Metzenthin) and Isaae D. Mr. and Mrs. Carpenter are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and he has been since he was sixteen years of age. In politics, he is Democratic, and for about forty years has acted as Justice of the Peace. For eight years he was Associate Justice of the county. He is one of the few survivors of the Black Hawk war.
ISAAC CASEY (deceased) was born in Tennessee March 25, 1811, to Abraham and Nancy ( Baker) Casey. He was brought to this county at an early date, and was mostly reared and educated here. His occupation was always that of farmer. October 31, 1833, he was married to Tabitha White, present wife of James C. Baldridge. In 1835, he bought a farm in Grand Prairie Township, where he resided till time of death, November 23, 1840. He was the father of three children-Martha A. ((leceased), wife of George Davis; Mary A., wife of E. S. Noleman; and Robert F. Mr. Casey volunteered from Mt Vernon during the Black Hawk war, and was at Kellogg's Grove when so many were decoyed from the fort and killed. IIe helped to keep wet blankets on the fort. so that the Indians could not fire it. Mr. Casey was an energetic and successful business man. In politics, he was Democratic, and he- fore death was a professor of religion.
R. F. CASEY, merchant, Dix. was born in
Jefferson County, Ill., August 17, 1838, and is the son of Isaac S. Casey (deceased), whose sketch appears in this work. Through the death of his father, our subject was left an or- phan at an early age, but resided with his mother-who subsequently married Mr. J. C. Baldridge, of Grand Prairie-till he was six- teen years of age. Ile thien embarked in life on his own aceonnt, engaging for the first year as a farm hand, at $6 per month. A month before the year was out, he decided to attend school, so bought off his time by paying $10 to his employer. In this way he succeeded in obtaining a good business education, working and then studying, attending one year at Me- Kendree College, at Lebanon, Ill. From 1859 till 1865, he was engaged in dealing in stock. In 1866, he embarked in the mercantile busi- ness in Rome, but remained in that only till 1868, when he again began in farming and stock dealing. In 1876, he again sold his farmn, and has since been doing a prosperous busi- ness as a general merchant in Rome. He car- ries a general stoek of merchandise, valued at about $3,000, with annual sales of about $10,- 000 to $12,000, and also has a farm of eighty acres near Rome, on which he keeps stock, raises grain, etc. June 14, 1860, he was mar- ried to Miss Mary E., second daughter of Iliram Milburn. She was born in Gibson County, Ind., but, when about six weeks of age, was brought to this county by her parents. Mr. and Mrs. Casey have three children living, viz. : Lonie, wife of Dr. S. B. Bogan; Irene Rose and Mary F. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. In politics, he is a Democrat, and has held many of the local offices. IIe is a member of the A., F. & A. M., Rome Lodge, No. 721, and has sev- eral times represented it in the Grand Lodge.
RILEY COPPLE, farmer, P. O. Walnut Hill, was born in Clark County, Ind., January 17, 1826, and resided there till 1837, when he came with his parents to this county, and has resided
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here since. When coming to the township there were no schoolhouses here, so his opportunity for an education was very limited, attending but three months during his life, and that in Marion County. His occupation has always been that of farming, and, when reaching his majority, he embarked in life as a farmer on his present place. Success has not been lack- ing, and now he owns a well improved farm of 200 aeres. He was married, on September 16, 1850, to Miss Sarah C. Dukes. She was born in Tennessee, March 14, 1834, to John and Eleanor (Rife) Dukes. They were natives of Tennessee, and she still survives. To Mr. and Mrs. Copple ten children have been born, seven still living, viz .: Elizabeth E., Mary J., Dar- thula A., John H., Liley B., James R. (de- ceased), Sarah E., Hattie (deceased), Ahlute A. and an infant deceased. He and wife are members of the Christian Church. In politics, he is a Republican. He is the son of John and Elizabeth (Garren) Copple, natives of North Carolina, who was twice married, by his first wife having one son, Jacob, who was drowned in the Ohio River when a lad. He was married to the mother of our subject in Indiana, and by her had twelve children, five of whom still survive, viz .: Abram, Riley, David, John, Mar- garet, wife of B. Harvey, now of the Indian Nation. David resides in Missouri, and the other three brothers in Jefferson County, Ill.
DAVID COPPLE, farmer, P. O. Walnut Hill, was born on his present farm, December 1, 1839, to Isaac and Martha (Green) Copple, both natives of Indiana; he the son of John Copple, a native of North Carolina. They moved from Indiana to this county in 1837, and he, Isaac Copple, died in 1843. He was the father of three sons, viz .: David, John R., who was killed in the army, and one son who died small. His widow afterward married M. D. Victory, of Missouri, and now resides there. After his father's death, our subject lived with his mother in Marion County, Ill., and in Mis-
souri till he was grown, and received his edn- cation in the common schools. In 1859, he re- turned to his native county, and in Angust, 1861. enlisted in the service of his country. Company C, Eleventh Illinois Volunteer In- fantry, Capt. George C. McKee, Col. W. H. L. Wallace. He served for three years, and was discharged at Vicksburg, Miss., in August, 1864. During his term of service, he was in some of the hardest fought battles of the war, being at Fort Donelson, Fort Henry, Shiloh, Corinth, Vicksburg, etc. After returning from the army, it was again to this county, and to his oceupation of farming, and in 1865 purchased the farm on which he was born. He now owns 104 acres in a good state of cultivation. No- vember 25, 1865, he was married to Miss Han- nah Grubb, a native of Indiana, and daughter of Virgil Grubb. She died September 22, 1882, bearing to him four children, viz .: Joel, Benja- min F., Virgil I. and Ida Dora. lle was mar- ried, December 29, 1882, to Virginia A. Fouteh. She was born in Jefferson County, Ill., daughter of William Foutch. Mr. Copple is a member of the Walnut IIill Lodge, I. O. O. F., No 710. He and wife are members of the Christian Church. In politics, he is a Repub- lican.
JOHN F. CORRELL, farmer, P. O. Mt. Ver- non, was born in Bedford County, Penn., April 24, 1833, to Abram and Charlotte (Mellott) Correll. Both were born in Pennsylvania, she of German and he of English parentage. In 1845, they came to Jefferson County, Ill., and died here in 1862. His occupation was that of a tanner, having a tan yard in this county for some years. For several years previous to his death, he had been engaged in saw milling. Onr subject spent his early life in assisting his father in the tan yard, and continued in the same as long as his father, but then went to farming, and has given his attention to the farm sinee, now owning 140 acres of well im- proved land. July 24, 1854, he was married.
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in this county, to Miss Mary Greer, daughter of William L. Greer, an old settler of this town- ship. By her he has six children living, viz .: Sarah M., wife of John Hall; Joseph, Mary A .; Zella, John, and Lottie. Ilis wife died March 18, 1875. January 14, 1876, he was married to Sophia Hill. She was born in Marion County, Ill., daughter of John Hill. She is the mother of three children, viz .: Viola, Lena, and George. In politics, Mr. Correll is a Democrat, but takes no part in political matters.
G. L. CUMMINS, farmer, P. O. Dix. Among the substantial ruralists of Rome Precinct is G. L. Cummins, born October 15, 1833, in Jef- ferson County, Ill. IIis father, Samuel Cum- mins, was a native of Barren County, Ky., born in 1801, and his mother, Elizabeth (Holtsclaw) Cummins, was born in the same borough two years subsequent to the father. The former died in this county in 1867, the latter died in 1845. The father was an active member in the Democratic party, and was selected by that party to fill several offices. He came to this county about the year 1824, in company with his wife and children. His union gave him ten children, six of whom survive, viz .: Patrick; Minerva, widow of H. M. Watson ; Mary, wife of W. T. Maxey ; G. L .; Abigail, wife of Frank Galbraith ; and Martha, wife of I. F. Hamlin. Our subject received a good common school education, and was brought up on a farm. On reaching his majority, he began for himself on his present farm of 140 acres, which is well im- proved, and on which he makes a specialty of raising grain and stock. Ile was married, July 4, 1861, to Lucy Andrews, a native of this county, and daughter of Sidney and Margaret (O'Melvaney) Andrews, old settlers in this bor- ough. His union blessed him with two chil- dren-Wayne and Omer. He is a member of the A., F. & A. M., Rome Lodge, No. 721, and has held the various offices of the same. He was elected by his party, the Democrats, to the office of County Treasurer in 1877, and has been
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Supervisor. IHis grandfather, Henry Holts- claw, came from Virginia to Kentucky, and thence to this county, while his grandfather, Cummins. removed from Pennsylvania to Ken- tueky, where he died. The Cummins family is of Scotch origin.
JOHN R. CUNNINGHAM, farmer, P. O. Dix, was born in Perry County, III., March 5, 1837, to Matthew J. and Esther E. (Little) Cunningham. He is a native of Kentucky, she of South Carolina. Both are still living, and reside in Centralia. January 27, 1883, they celebrated their golden wedding. His occupa- tion has always been that of a farmer. but for some years has been retired from active lifc. They are the parents of eleven children, six sons and five daughters, three sons and the daughters still living. Our subject, when about nine years of age, came to this county with his parents, and has made the immediate neighbor- hood his home since. He received his educa- tion in the schools of the county. Ilis occupa- tion has always been that of farming. Mr. Cunningham was probably the first man to en- ter the service from this county during the civil war, enlisting in April, 1861, with Com- pany G, Twelfth Ilinois Volunteer Infantry, from Perry County, Ill., under Capt. Brookins, of Duquoin, and Col. MeArthur, of Chicago. Their term of service expired in August, 1861, and our subject returned home and remained till August 12, 1862, when he enlisted in Com- pany H1, Eightieth Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Capt. James Cunningham, Col. Thomas G. Al- len, our subject being commissioned Second Lieutenant of his company, and afterward First Lieutenant. He remained in the service till June, 1865, when they were mustered out. He participated in from twenty-five to thirty en- gagements. Was at the fall of Atlanta, but after that was no longer with Sherman, but re- mained under Gen. Thomas, and was at the battles of Franklin and Nashville, Tenn., etc. Since returning from the service, he has been
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engaged in farming. December 28, 1865, he was married to Miss Mollie T. Ellis. She was born in Fayette County, Ind., daughter of Les- ter and Sally E. Ellis, natives of New York State. Both died in this county, he June 26, 1868, she July 8, 1879. Mr. and Mrs. C. have six children, viz .: Carrie M., Lester E., Maud B., Silas A., Theodore B. and Lonie B. In polities, he is a Republican. and takes an ae- tive part to secure the success of his party. The Cunningham family is of Scotch-Irish de- scent, the grandfather of our subject coming to the United States when about eight years of age.
J. M. B. GASTON, farmer, P. O. Dix. The subject of this sketch was born in Randolph County, Ill., Mareh 22, 1824, son of William and Elizabeth (Couch) Gaston, both natives of South Carolina. She was born in April, 1803, and her parents removed from South Carolina to Tennessee in October of the same year. About 1806, her parents, James and Elizabeth (McBride) Couch, came to Illinois and died here at advanced ages. The father of our sub- jeet removed to Kentucky previous to the war of 1812, and enlisted in that war from the vi- cinity of Hopkinsville, Ky. Some time after the close of the war, he settled in Indiana, and it was there that he was united in marriage to his first wife, Jane MeMillin. By her he had a family of five children, none of whom now survive. He was married to the mother of our subject in Randolph County, Ill., and by her had four sons and four daughters, all of whom are still living, our subject being the eldest. He died September 21, 1869, at the age of eighty-three years six months and some days. He was a son of William Gaston, who was a Revolutionary soldier, as were many other members of the Gaston family of South Caro- lina. The Gaston family is of French descent, and several generations ago were banished from France on account of religious belief. Our subject was mostly reared in Marion
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County, where his parents moved when he was small, but his education was obtained across the line in Jefferson County. His leading oe- enpation in life has been that of farming, but for some monthis worked at coopering, and also about five years at the blacksmith trade. For seventeen months has served in the Mexican war, being under Gen. Price in New Mexico. In 1851, he came to Rome Township, and in 1856, to his present farm, where he has since resided, except three years during the late re- bellion. In 1861, he enlisted in Company C, Twenty-second Illinois Volunteer Infantry, Col. Dougherty, and was out for three years, but at the battle of Belmont, Mo., he was so severely wounded that he was unable for fur- ther active duty. Mr. Gaston has twice been married, first to Miss Mary Storment, in Marion County, Ill., February 5, 1852. She was the daughter of John Storment, and was born in Jef- ferson County, Ill. She died September 28, 1866, aged thirty-six years eight months twenty days, and was the mother of four children, one now living, viz .: Margaret E., wife of W. H. Michael. September 12, 1867, he was married to his sec- ond wife, Mrs. Nancy J. (Hill) Creel, widow of DeWitt Creel, and daughter of William Hill, who came to Illinois in 1803, landing in the vi- cinity of Kaskaskia on Christmas Day. By her first husband Mrs. G. has two sons living, viz .: James M. and William D. One sou by her pres- ent husband, viz., John H., deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Gaston are members of the M. E. Church. In politics, he is a Republican.
H. H. HUTCHISON, farmer, P. O. Dix, was born in Wilson County, Tenn., June 24, 1840, to William and Jane (Williams) Hutchi- son. They were both natives of South Carolina, and moved to Tennessee after marriage, and in about 1845 to this county, where they remained till death. They were the parents of fourteen children, twelve of whom still survive; of their descendants now living there are about 200. From early life, our subjeet was reared in this
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county, and received such an education as the common schools afforded, and afterward at- tended the college at Lebanon, Tenn., for one year. He then remained in the South for six years longer, engaged in teaching, with excel- lent results. Since returning North, he has still been engaged in teaching to some ex- tent, having taught in all eighteen sessions of school. August 21, 1875, he started into the mercantile business in Rome, but in latter part of 1876 traded the store to Mr. R. F. Casey for his present farm, on which he has since been actively engaged as a successful agriculturist. His farm contains 100 acres. February 25, 1877, he was married in this county to Miss Min- | nie F. Davis, born in Centralia, and daughter of George Davis, now a resident of Rome. Mr. and Mrs. Hutchison have three children, and one dead, viz .: Mary Ethel, Maud Eltha and Mona Esther, and an infant deceased. He is a member of A. F. & A. M., Rome Lodge, No. 721. In polities, he is a Democrat.
B. P. MAXFIELD, retired farmer, P. O. Dix, was born in Overton County, Tenn., July 17, 1818, and is the son of John and Sarah ( Car- penter) Maxfield. She was a native of Virginia, he of Tennessee. In 1825, they removed from Tennessee to Indiana, and in 1829 to Sangamon County, Ill., where they remained till 1831; then to Effingham County, Ill., and made that their home for ten years, when they located in St. Clair County, Ill., and he died there. His occupation was that of farming. They were the parents of ten children, seven of whom reached maturity. Of the number, but four are now living, viz .. B. P., Seth, John and Mrs. Rhoda Fineb. In 1846, our subjeet eame to Jefferson County, Ill., and has resided here sinee. His mother, who also came, died in the county. Until 1858, he was engaged in farming and then embarked in the milling business at Rome, and continued in the same till 1865, when he again went to farming, and has made that his business sinee. Now, however, he has retired from active life. Mr.
Maxfield has been very successful in business, and has done a good part by his children. His farm now contains ninety aeres adjoining the village of Rome. November 15, 1840, he was married to Miss Lucinda Galloway. She was born in Kentucky November 15, 1817, daughter of Adam and Sarah (Loek > Galloway. | In 1818, they moved to Edwards County, Ill., but afterward to Sangamon County, where he died. She died in Jackson County. They were the parents of twelve children, nine reaching maturity, but three now surviving-Mrs. Max- field, Mrs. Sarah Flowers and Mrs. Elizabeth D. Staey. Both the fathers of Mr. and Mrs. Max- field served in the war of 1812, under Jackson. To Mr. and Mrs. Maxfield six children were born, three now living, viz., Sarah, wife of Matthew Tilford, and Mary A., wife of Robert White, both of this township, and one son. Hiram, now a resident of Effingham County. For over thirty years, Mr. M. has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which church his wife is also a member. In politics, he is Republican.
WILLIAM A. McMILLAN. farmer, P. O. Wainnt Hill, was born in Perry County, Ill., May 3, 1853, to James and Jane (Cunningham) McMillan. They were both natives of North Carolina, and of Irish descent. His occupation was that of a farmer. Both died in Perry County, Ill. Of their children, six are still liv- ing, our subject being the youngest. He was reared and educated in Perry County, Ill., but was left an orphan at an early age, his mother dying when he was but four years of age, and his father about four years later. When our subjeet was seventeen years of age he started in life upon his own account. Ile was married August 23, 1870, to Miss Martha J. Brown; she was born in Perry County also; danghter of Andrew and Margaret L. (Brown) Brown, both natives of South Carolina, and neither now surviving. Mr. and Mrs. MeMillan have one child dead and four living, viz .: Ira Delbert,
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