USA > Illinois > Logan County > History of Logan County, Illinois > Part 53
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Samuel Bevan, deceased, was a native of Ohio, born in 1807, and was a son of Stacy and Lydia Bevan. He was reared in his native State, his educational advantages being limited. In 1836 he came to what is now Logan County, and settled in Atlanta Township. February 25, 1836, he was united in marriage to Eliza A. Downey, daughter of James and Mary Downey, who came to Logan County in 1835. Seven children were born to this union- Milton D., Ellen E., Serelda J., John L., Alexander, Richard G. and Annie M. Mr. Bevan was a highly esteemed citizen of this township till his death, which occurred May 20, 1882. He was a consistent member of the Missionary Baptist church, of which he was deacon for many years. He was justice of the peace of Atlanta Township for several years. In politics he was a Republican. His widow at present is a resident of Atlanta, having moved from her homestead farm in the fall of 1883.
David M. Boruff, deceased, was born January 2, 1841, in Mon- roe County, Indiana, a son of Samuel Boruff. He lived in his na- tive State till manhood, and in January, 1862, he came to Logan County, Illinois. He was married December 1, 1864, to Sarah Weed, daughter of Peter Weed, a resident of Logan County. Two
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children blessed this union-Corrilla A. and Theodore W. In 1867 Mr. Boruff moved with his family to Atlanta Township, where he settled on a farm located on section 27, where he lived till his death, April 12, 1879. Mr. Boruff served for a short time in the war of the Rebellion, enlisting in Indiana previous to his coming to Logan County. He was a member of the Christian church, and in politics a Democrat. His widow still resides in Atlanta. She is a member of the same church as her husband. She is the owner of a well-improved farm containing 110 acres.
Isaac N. Bowers was born July 4, 1833, in Shenandoah County, Virginia, a son of Christian and Sallie Bowers, who were also na- tives of Virginia. He received but a rudimentary education in his youth, he having early in life to assist with the farm work. He has followed farming through life and has met with success, and by his energy and industry he has acquired ninety acres of fine land. He now resides on section 14, Atlanta Township, on which he settled in 1882, coming from Allen County, Kansas. He resided in his native State till 1881 when he moved to Kansas. He was married August 2, 1855, to Eliza Burkholder, a daughter of John and Amelia Burkholder. Nine of the twelve children born to this union are living-Laura V., Robert B., Nettie G., Minnie B., Ira N., Lillie F., Isaac N., Bessie G. and Adele C.
Jacob Brier, a son of M. and S. Brier, was born May 10, 1840, in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. When twelve years old he and his brother, John Brier, joined a colony from the east going to Iowa. They located on land in Washington County, that State, on which they lived for several years. He then came to Logan County, Illinois, and engaged in the butcher's trade, which he has almost continuously followed to the present time. After having been in business at Atlanta abont three years, he enlisted in Company E, Seventh Illinois Infantry, the date of his enlist- ment being in July, 1860. He participated in the battles of Bel- mont, Fort Henry, Fort Donelson, siege of Nashville, Corinth and Shiloh. He was mustered out of the service in 1862, at Corinth, and for several weeks was engaged as a Recruiting Sergeant. He was afterward employed by officers of the One Hundred and Sixth Illinois Infantry as Drum Major, serving as such for six months, and in the summer of 1863 he returned to his home at Atlanta. He was married December 12, 1860, to Georgie C. Goddell, of Logan County. This union has been blessed with four children-Ella M., Hattie, Ulysses S. and Edward. Mr. Brier has been moderately
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successful in business and is classed among the best citizens of At- lanta. He is a member of the Masonic and Odd Fellows orders and is a comrade of Atlanta Post, No. 326, G. A. R. In politics he is a staunch Republican.
Charles R. Cantrall is a native of Logan County, Illinois, and was a son of Zebulon and Mary Cantrall. His father was born August 24, 1805, in Bourbon County, Kentucky, and in 1811 re- moved with his parents to Ohio. He was married in Ohio, March 27, 1828, to Mary McLean, by whom he had seven children, of whom three are living-Smith M., born August 28, 1839; Thomas D., born March 27, 1841, and Charles R., born June 9, 1853. Those deceased are-Rachel M., born April 8, 1834, died August 10, 1860; James M., born March 14, 1830, died November 28, 1868; Robert A., born October 23, 1836, died August 15, 1846, and Mary E., born June 30, 1845, died March 15, 1848. Zebulon Cantrall came to Logan County, Illinois, in 1834 and settled on section 36, Atlanta Township. He assisted in the organization of the Presbyterian church at Waynesville in 1836 and for twenty- two years served that church as ruling elder. He was justice of the peace of Atlanta Township for many years, and for several years served as associate judge of Logan County, being a wise and judicious counsellor. His death occurred September 3, 1861, his widow surviving him until February 22, 1882. Charles R. Cantrall, whose name heads this sketch, was reared in Logan County, and here received a fair English education. He was united in marriage December 17, 1873, to Alice Mccrary, daugh- ter of Thomas L. and Susan Mccrary, the former deceased and the mother living in De Witt County, Illinois. Three children have been born to bless this union-Carrie F., born August 25, 1875; Frank D., born July 14, 1880, and Walter C., born January 22, 1883. In politics Mr. Cantrall casts his vote for the Repub- lican party. He is a member of the Presbyterian church at Waynesville.
Alfred W. Chenoweth, the popular dentist of Atlanta, was born June 16, 1842, in Alton, Illinois. When he was an infant his parents, Alfred and Sarah E. Chenoweth, removed to St. Louis, he being educated in the public schools of that city. When he was seven years old his mother died, and at the age of sixteen he was partly thrown on his own resources. In 1859 he went to Ralls County, Missouri, where he was employed as a farm hand until the breaking out of the war. In March, 1862, he enlisted
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in Company E, Third Missouri State Militia, and for a time was under the respective commands of Generals McNeal and Rose- crans. He was on service principally in Missouri and participated in the capture of General Jefferson Thomson, at Pocahontas, Arkan- sas. He took part in the battles of Kirkville, Pilot Knob, the attack on Jefferson City and many other important engagements. He was discharged April 14, 1865, at Macon City, and after the war he came to Quincy, Illinois, where for six years he worked at the painter's trade. He subsequently moved to Decatur where he followed his trade, and at the same time studied dentistry with Dr. R. C. Hawkins. After successfully passing his examinations he practiced dentistry with his preceptor for one year. In May, 1881, he came to Atlanta, where he has established an excellent practice. Mr. Chenoweth was married in February, 1871, to Annie A. Wayne, of Quincy. Of the five children born to this union only two are living-Olive E. and Alta B. Mr. Chenoweth is a member of Atlanta Lodge, No. 165, A. F. & A. M. In pol- itics he affiliates with the Republican party.
Azel E. Church, furniture dealer and undertaker of Atlanta, Logan County. He came to Atlanta in the summer of 1857, since which time he has been engaged in his present business, and keeps a large and well-selected stock of goods.
Jacob T. Coons was born October 22, 1847, in Morgan County, Ohio, and is a son of Roland and Nancy Coons, his mother now deceased. His parents came to Illinois in 1853, and first settled in McLean County, and in 1855 they came to Atlanta, Logan County. They had a family of four children, three of whom are yet living -Jacob T., our subject, Levi M. and Nancy J. At the age of fourteen years Jacob T. began learning the blacksmith's trade of his father, who for many years was the leading workman of his trade in Atlanta. He has been engaged in business for himself since 1879, and has built up a good trade, being a skilled and reli- able workman. April 26, 1882, he was married to Mary Markland, of Atlanta. In politics he casts his suffrage with the Republi- can party.
John S. Cornelius, of Atlanta, was born in Adams County, Ohio, July 12, 1826. His parents were Samuel and Elizabeth Cornelius, and were natives respectively of Virginia and Pennsyl- vania. Of their family of seven children only two are living- Kate and John S. John S. remained in his native county until reaching manhood. In 1853 he came to De Witt County, Illinois,
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and for some time was employed as a salesman by J. P. Dunham & Co., of Waynesville. October 20, 1854, he was married to Elizabeth Leeper, of De Witt County, and in 1856 he came to Atlanta, Logan County, where he was engaged as a salesman for the mercantile firm of A. J. Ludlam & Co., and afterward by Dun- ham & Maltby. In 1860 he again removed to De Witt County and followed farming there four years when he returned to his present home in Atlanta. He is the owner of eighty acres of land, and owns other village property. He and his wife are earnest members of the Presbyterian church. In politics he is a Republican.
Albert S. Corthon, son of John P. and Elizabeth Corthon, was born October 14, 1827, in Spottsylvania County, Virginia. When a child he moved with his parents to Logan County, Ohio. When he was five years of age his father died, and when twelve his mother, and he then made his home with his uncle, J. W. Carter. Wm. R. Hamilton, M. D., then of Huntsville, but now of Peoria, Illinois, was appointed his guardian. At the age of six- teen years he learned the carpenter's trade, starting out to maintain himself. November 14, 1850, he was united in marriage to Mary R. Willmurth, daughter of Joseph and Nancy Willmurth. To this union has been born seven children, five sons-Joseph C., Albert E., William P., Edgar M. and Dighton G., and two daughters- Elizabeth A. and Mary R., all of whom are living. In 1855 Mr. Corthon moved with his wife and two children, accompanied by his father-in-law and family, to Logan County, Illinois, locating at Atlanta, making the journey overland in wagons. Mr. Corthon worked as a carpenter in Atlanta from 1855 to 1858. In 1858 he formed a partnership with the late Andrew Downey and engaged in farming and stock-raising about ten years. He subsequently formed a partnership with the late Alexander Downey, with whom he engaged in farming and stock-raising several years. In 1873 he settled on his present place on section 28. He has been successful in all his undertakings, owing to his persevering indus- try and good management. He has now 135 acres of land in this township, 120 of which is under a high state of cultivation. Mr. Corthon is a member of Atlanta Lodge, I, G. O. F., and has taken the honorary degrees. His wife has taken the Rebecca degree. He and his wife are Methodists, being identified with the church since its organization, and are active members. Mr. Corthon served for many years as trustee and for the past four years as district steward. In politics he and his five sons are rising Republicans.
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William D. Crain, deceased, was born in Logan County, Ken- tucky, September 21, 1819, and was a son of Armsted and Sarah Crain. He was reared to manhood in his native State, and August 13, 1840, he was united in marriage to Martha A. McMillin, daughter of William B. and Hannah McMillin. They had a family of nine children-Wesley T., Charlotte A., Virgil A., Cyrila M., Emma A., William H., Josephus N., Calvin W. and Lemuel, who died of measles while serving in the late war. William D. Crain en- listed in the late war in September, 1862, as Second Lieutenant of Company K, Eighth Kentucky Union Cavalry, and was in active service till his death, March 7, 1863, caused by pneumonia, brought on by a fall from his horse. His widow and her family came to Illinois in a wagon, being fourteen days on the road, and settled in Hope Township, McLean County. Not having sufficient means to purchase a farm she rented land till 1875, when she pur- chased forty acres, on which she resided till March, 1880. She then came to Atlanta with her daughter, where she has since lived. She is a member of the Congregational church.
A. C. Dalzell, proprietor livery, sale and feed stable, Atlanta, Illinois.
Andrer J. Deffenbaugh, a respected citizen of Atlanta Town- ship, is a native of Perry County, Ohio, a son of Andrew and Harriet Deffenbaugh. When he was five years of age his parents removed to McLean County, Illinois, and settled in what is now Leroy Township, where they resided till their death. They had a family of eight children of whom five are living-Otha, Sophia, Elizabeth, Exy, and Andrew J., our subject. The latter was mar- ried to Sarah E. Chappell, of McLean County, and this union has been blessed with two children, a son and a daughter. Mr. Deffen- baugh settled in the southern part of Atlanta Township in the fall of 1861, where he has since made his home. He has been very successful in his farming pursuits, and is now the owner of 630 acres of land. He was bereft by the loss of his wife in April, 1882. In politics he affiliates with the Democratic party.
John J. Downey is a native of Logan County, born Angust 15, 1854, a son of Andrew D. and Elizabeth (Gill) Downey, the father being a native of Ohio, and one of the earliest settlers of Atlanta Township, and the mother a native of Indiana. When he was twelve years old his father died, his mother dying two years later, leaving him an orphan at the age of fourteen years. After his mother's death he went to Bloomington, Illinois, and made his 36
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home with his sister, Mrs. H. W. Leach, for several years. He attended Shurtleff College at Alton, Illinois, over two years, and later spent a short time at the Commercial Business College, at Bloomington. He was then engaged for one year as cashier for the firm of J. E. Houtz & Co., dealers in dry-goods at Blooming- ton, and for three years he filled a similar position with J. H. Earl of the same city. In 1819 he returned to Atlanta, and formed a partnership with J. M. Shipley in the jewelry business. The business was conducted under the firm name of Shipley & Downey until June, 1885, when Mr. Shipley retired from the firm leaving Mr. Downey sole proprietor. September 29, 1881, he was married to Ida Buchanan. They have one child-Leslie. Mr. Downey is at present mayor of Atlanta, having been elected to that office in March, 1885. He is one of the directors of the At- lanta public schools, and is ranked among the enterprising and public-spirited young men of this township. He is a member of the Odd Fellows order, and in politics he is a Republican.
W. S. Dunham, senior member of the firm of W. S. Dunham & Son, Atlanta, is a son of William W. and Mary G. Dunham, his father being for many years editor of the Providence, Rhode Island, Journal, in the early infancy of that paper. His parents came from Rhode Island to Ohio, and were among the first settlers of Washington County, where the subject of this sketch was born, September 28, 1827. In the spring of 1831 his parents removed to Waynesville, De Witt County, Illinois, where his father died, his mother surviving his death for many years. He received but a limited common-school education, attending school during his spare time during the winter months, he being obliged to assist with the work of the farm during the summer. He left home at the age of sixteen years, and for the two years, following he was employed in the various departments of farming. When eighteen he entered the mercantile establishment of A. B. Lewis, at Waynesville, Illinois, as a clerk, with whom he remained three years and four months, beginning on a salary of $60 per year, which was gradually increased to $200 at the beginning of his third year's service. In 1848 he engaged in the mercantile busi- ness at Waynesville with C. H. Ormsby, which was conducted one year under the firm name of Ormsby & Dunham, when a third partner was admitted to the firm, the business then being carried on for twenty-two months under the firm name of Ormsby, Dan- ham & Lowrey. Mr. Dunham then formed a partnership with his
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brothers, Jeremiah P. and Thomas E. Dunham, which firm con- tinued under the name of J. P. Dunham & Co. till 1864, when our subject retired from the firm. In June, 1856, he began a gen- eral mercantile business at Atlanta in company with Harrison Maltby, the firm of Dunham & Maltby existing until 1859, when Mr. Dunham sold his interest to his partner. He has continued in the mercantile trade since 1859, being associated with various parties, the present firm existing since 1879. Although having met with reverses he has been in the main very successful, being a man of more than average business management. During a part of the years 1862 and 1863 he, in partnership with Levi Shores and J. M. Parkinson, engaged in the wholesale grocery trade at Chicago, Illinois, the firm being known as Shores, Dun- ham & Co. He is one of the charter members of what is now known as the Illinois Midland Railway. He, in company with A. N. Dills, built twenty-six miles of that road, and from 1869 to 1875 he served as one of the directors. He served as trustee of Atlanta while a village, and in various ways was instrumental in the growth and advancement of this place. He has been twice mar- ried, his first wife being Adeline Branson. He was subsequently married to Martha E. Harrison, of Waynesville, Illinois, and to this union have been born five children, of whom four survive- Adeline B., Katie F., William S. and Minetta E.
Samuel H. Fields, a representative citizen of Atlanta, Illinois, was born April 4, 1832, in Cheshire, Connecticut, and was a son of Samuel and Eliza (Brooks) Fields. Having received a fair Eng- lish education he left his paternal home, and for a time followed the tinner's trade. In 1854 he came to Ogle County, Illinois, where with A. H. Fields and S. B. Sherwood he formed a part- nership in the grain and lumber trade the firm doing business under the title of Fields & Sherwood. In 1856 he and Mr. Sher- wood came to Atlanta, Illinois, where they embarked in the lum- . her trade, doing business under the firm name of Sherwood & Fields, until 1858, when the partnership was dissolved, leaving Mr. Fields sole proprietor. In addition to his lumber trade he has since added that of coal, lime, salt and agricultural implements. He has been prosperous in business, being possessed of good busi- ·ness qualifications. He is now serving his fourth term as super- visor of Atlanta Township, and is also chairman of the County Board of Supervisors. He was elected the first mayor of Atlanta after receiving her city charter, and has served one term since.
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He is a member of Atlanta Lodge, No. 165, A. F. & A. M .; of Atlanta Chapter, No. 188, Royal Arch Masons; is a member of Constantine Commandery, No. 51, Knights Templar, at Lincoln, Illinois, and is also a member of Oriental Consistory Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite Masons, of Chicago. In politics he affiliates with the Re- · publican party. In November, 1857, our subject was united in marriage with Mary L. Leonard, of Atlanta, and to them have been born two children-Seward H. and Mary E., deceased. Mr. Fields ranks among our most enterprising citizens.
Stephan L. Foley was born near Springfield, Clarke County, Ohio, April 27, 1831, a son of Stephan and Elizabeth Foley, the father being a native of Virginia and the mother of Pennsylvania. In the fall of 1834 he came with his parents to Logan County, Illinois, they settling in Atlanta Township, near the place where our subject now resides, and here his father entered 400 acres of land. The parents lived in this township till their death, that of the father occurring in 1849, his widow surviving till 1864. They had a family of twelve children, of whom seven are living-Cath- erine, Millie, Elsie, Mary, James, Elizabeth A. and Stephan L. Those deceased are-John, Annie, Sarah, Fannie and William. Our subject was reared and educated in the district schools of Logan County. He was first married in April, 1855, to Phobe Houchin, who died April 14, 1861. He was again united in mar- riage August 10, 1862, to Emeline Hanley, of Logan County, for- merly of Ohio. Of the three children born to this union two are living-Fannie L. and James B. Mr. Foley has been successful in his farming pursuits and now owns 240 acres of fine land. He has served his township three years as road supervisor. In politics he affiliates with the Republican party.
Russell W. Folts, proprietor of the Atlanta Meat Market, was born June 13, 1835, in Syracuse, New York, a son of William and Elethere Folts. He was educated in the public schools of his na- tive city, and at the age of fifteen years he began learning the blacksmith's trade, which he followed several years. In the winter of 1857 moved with his parents to Cassel, Fond du Lac County, Wisconsin. His father was a skillful and experienced workman at the blacksmith's trade, and was engaged in business in Cassel till 1864, when he came to Atlanta, Logan County, Illinois, and while here served as deputy sheriff, constable and city marshal. He died in 1869, his widow surviving till 1872. They were the par- ents of five children-Ebon D., William R., George W., Catherine
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and Russell W. Russell W. left his home in Wisconsin and came to Atlanta, Illinois, and has since coming here been engaged in various profitable enterprises and is meeting with success in his present business. He was married in July, 1863, to Mary E. Stout, of Atlanta. Three children have been born to this union, two of whom are living-Russell M. and Harry J. Mr. Folts is a member of Atlanta Lodge, No. 165, A. F. & A. M. He also belongs to the Odd Fellows order of which he is a representative member. In politics he is a Republican.
John R. Grinter, of Atlanta, Illinois, was born August 17, 1823, in Logan County, Kentucky, where he was reared and there re- ceived a limited education. His parents, Francis and Susan Grin- ter, were natives of Virginia. October 19, 1849, he was united in marriage to Sarah Young who was born June 22, 1830, in Wash- ington County, Tennessee, a daughter of Henry and Deborah Young. Seven children have been born to them-Francis H., Mary F., Imogene L., John S. and three who are deceased. In the fall of 1851 Mr. Grinter came with his family to Illinois and settled on a farm in Mount Hope Township, McLean County. He came to Atlanta, Logan County, in 1863, where he has since made his home. Mr. Grinter is the owner of a good farm in Oran Township, this county. He and his wife are members of the Cum- berland Presbyterian church. In politics he is a Prohibitionist.
John Groves, one of the successful farmers of Atlanta Town- ship, was born in Madison County, Ohio, April 6, 1823, a son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Summers) Groves, who were natives of Virginia. He was reared to manhood and received a limited edu- cation in the district schools of his native State. September 15, 1847, he was married to Elizabeth J. Cheney, who was born July 22, 1830, a daughter of Benjamin and Priscilla Cheney, of Cham- paign County, Ohio. Five children have been born to them- Florence A., Lawrence, Henry, Emma and Edwin, of whom the lat- ter three are deceased. Mr. Groves came to De Witt County, Illinois, with his family in 1851, remaining there till 1867 when he came to Logan County and settled in Atlanta Township, where he is the owner of a fine farm of 115 acres. He is a member of Wayne Lodge, A. F. &. A. M., of Waynesville, Illinois. In politics he affiliates with the Republican party. His wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.
John D. Hale was born near Nashville, Tennessee, February 7, 1830, a son of Isaac and Sarah Hale. In 1835 his parents re-
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moved to Illinois, locating in McLean County, where they lived several years. Subsequently they removed to Decatur, and later to Springfield, where the father died. John D. and Isaac are the only survivors of the family of seven children. After the death of the father the mother married a Mr. Barnett who also died, and she is now living in Kansas. Our subject's educational advan- tages were limited, having no opportunity for attending school, and such education as he received was obtained at home. After the death of his father Mr. Hale returned to McLean County. . He was married in Logan County, Illinois, in October, 1859, to Elizabeth Lappin, who was born and reared to maturity in Madi- son County, Ohio, coming with her parents to Illinois in 1852. To this union has been born one son -- Jacob F., born February 27, 1861. Mr. Hale returned to Logan County in the fall of 1859, he having lived near Mount Pulaski a short time previous to his mar- riage. He has made farming his principal avocation through life, and is now the owner of a fine farm of eighty-five acres in Atlanta Township. In politics Mr. Hale is a Prohibitionist.
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