USA > Illinois > Logan County > History of Logan County, Illinois > Part 55
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Atlanta Township for three years. He is the owner of a fine farm located in the western part of this township. In politics he casts his suffrage with the Republican party. He is a member of At- lanta Lodge, No. 165, A. F. & A. M.
Jacob Leese, deceased, was born in October, 1798, in Pennsylva- nia where he was reared to manhood. By his first wife, Catherine Cole, he had seven children of whom five are living-Elizabeth, Sarah A., Savilla, Jacob and Catherine. He was again married in 1844 to Catherine Ebbert, daughter of Jacob and Catherine Eb- bert, of Pennsylvania, and of the seven children born to this union five are living-William H., Amos M., Charlotte, Susan and Jere- miah. In 1856 Mr. Leese moved with his family to McLean County, Illinois, and in 1858 he settled in Atlanta Township, Lo- gan County, where he made his home till his death, which occurred in 1876. In politics he was a Democrat. His widow still resides on the homestead, and is the owner of a choice farm of fifty-five acres.
Philip R. Marquart, a prominent citizen of Atlanta, was born in Clarke County, Ohio, September 30, 1826, a son of David and Eliza A. Marquart, who were natives of Virginia. He obtained such an education as the early schools of Ohio afforded, which he attended principally during the winter terms. At the age of six- teen he was thrown on his own resources by his father's death. His mother was left with seven children of whom he was the eldest, and to lessen her burdens he went to live with an uncle, Samuel Marquart, of Clarke County. His uncle was a drover and trader, and for several years he was engaged in herding and trans- porting stock from Illinois to Pennsylvania. January 3, 1853, he was married to Nancy L. Mckinnon, of Madison County, Ohio, and in 1854 he came to Logan County and settled in what is now Oran Township, where he carried on farming and stock-raising with good success. In 1866 he removed to Atlanta where for two terms he served as mayor, and has also filled the position of city alderman. He is the owner of 400 acres of land in Oran Town- ship, and also has property in Atlanta Township. He is a mem- ber of Atlanta Lodge, No. 176, I. O. O. F.
George H. Mason, deceased, was a son of George and Elizabeth Mason. He was born November 20, 1827, in Louisville, Kentucky, and when seven years of age he came to Bloomington, Illinois, where he remained till his twenty-first year. He then went to Tazewell County, Illinois, where he was married October 4, 1849,
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to Harriet Stiles, a daughter of John and Harriet Stiles, who were natives of New Jersey. Five children were born to them, only two now living-William H., the present city clerk, and Edwin R. After his marriage Mr. Mason located at Tremont, Tazewell County, where for several years he followed the cooper's trade. In the spring of 1858 he came to Atlanta, Logan County, and in partnership with Jacob Leese he engaged for a short time in the grocery business. He was subsequently engaged in the same busi- ness for one year with David G. Houser, at the end of which time he became sole proprietor, and conducted the same business successfully till his death, which occurred May 21, 1881. In politics he was a Republican. He was a member of the Presby- terian church. His widow still belongs to that church. She and her sons are still engaged in carrying on the business.
Samuel R. McFadden was born in Knox County, Ohio, Octo- ber 8, 1830, a son of Mercer and Huldah (Sutton) McFadden. His parents had a family of eight children-Joseph, Zebulon, Rachel, Hannah, Samuel R., Nancy, George and Elsie. Our subject was reared to manhood on a farm, and received a good academic edu- cation. In 1854 he came to Illinois bringing a large drove of sheep, and spent about three years in this State, principally in Menard County, at which time he sold his entire flock. Returning to Ohio he engaged in agricultural pursuits till 1861, when he re- turned to Illinois, again bringing another large drove of sheep, and for many years he was extensively engaged in stock-raising in Atlanta; also bought and shipped fat stock to market for years. He was married in May, 1868, to Mary A. Eastman, a daughter of Rev. Larnard L. and Lucy A. Eastman, who were formerly of Han- over, New Hampshire, but now residents of Methuen, Massachu- setts. In April, 1878, he was appointed assistant superintendent of the State Reform School, at Jamesburg, New Jersey, and his wife being a lady of excellent qualifications, was engaged as a teacher in the same institution, they holding their respective positions till June, 1884, when they resigned, and in the spring of 1885 returned to Atlanta, Logan County. Mrs. McFadden's brother is the pres- ent superintendent of the State Reform School for boys at Provi- dence, Rhode Island. Mr. McFadden is a member of the Odd Fellows order. In politics he casts his suffrage with the Republi- can party. He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian church. Jeremiah Miller, deceased, was born January 27, 1827. in Shelby County, Kentucky. When he was two years old his parents, Dabner 37
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and Elizabeth Miller, moved to Monroe County, Indiana, where he was reared to manhood. In 1848 he came to Logan County, Illinois, and was married February 2, 1850, to Sarah A. Hawes, a daughter of John and Sarah Hawes, who were early settlers of this county. Six of the seven children born to this union are living- Arthur P., Clara A., John E., Charles A., Frank H., and William A. Mr. Miller located in Orvil Township soon after his mar- riage and there he lived for many years, residing in the neighbor- hood of Bethel Church. After leaving Orvil Township he resided for a short time in Eminence Township, and in the fall of 1876 he removed to Lincoln that his children might have better educa- tional advantages. Hereturned subsequently to his farm in Emi- nence Township, remaining there until the spring of 1882, when business interests at Atlanta caused his removal to that place. His death occurred at Atlanta, October 2, 1885, and his remains were interred in Bethel Cemetery, Orvil Township. He was an active member of the Christian church, serving several years as deacon, and as a citizen he was highly esteemed in this community. His widow still makes her home in Atlanta. She is also a mem- ber of the Christian church.
Henry C. Montgomery, a prominent farmer and stock-raiser of Atlanta Township, residing ou section 16, was born October 13, 1825, in Gibson County, Indiana. His parents, Thomas and Catherine Montgomery, were natives of Kentucky and Tennessee respectively. He received a limited education in the district schools of his native county, and from his youth has been engaged in agricultural pursuits. He left Gibson County in 1847, and started for Illinois, and after a long and tedious ride on horseback over rough roads and Indian trails, he finally reached Logan County, where for the first three years he made his home with the late Harvey Turner. In 1850 he bought his first eighty acres of land which was located where he now resides. He is one of the most successful farmers of this township, and is the owner of 366 acres of land in Atlanta Township, and eighty acres in McLean County. He was married in February, 1854, to Celinda Andrews, of Rhode Island. Two sons were born to them-Harvey T. and William H., of whom William H. is deceased. Mrs. Montgomery died in July, 1857, and in October, 1858, he was married to Miss L. A. Beardsly, of Genesee County, New York. The children born to this union are-Thomas E., Isaac J., Harriet M., Minnie B. and Judson W., of whom Isaac J. is deceased. Mr. Montgomery
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is a member of the Free-Will Baptist church, and gives largely of his means to the support of the same. In politics he is a Republican. Charles H. Pierce, one of the stockholders of the Greenview Coal Company, of Menard County, Illinois, was born November 4, 1834, in Sangamon County, Illinois. He is a son of Charles R. and Melinda (Anderson) Pierce, who are both natives of Tennessee, but now living in Leavenworth, Kansas. Of his father's family of twelve children, eleven survive-Caroline, Tennessee, George, Isaac, Mary, Charles H., Perry, Tabner, Cassie, Clinton and Ann. Our subject was reared to manhood in his native county, and received a common-school education. In 1855 he went to Kansas where for a few years he engaged in farming. For several years prior to the breaking out of the late war he was engaged in super- intending the transfer of the traffic across the plains by contractors who bad charge of the route. In the fall of 1861 he was employed by the Government as wagon-master of Kansas, in which position he served about six months. In the meantime he was captured by some Confederate soldiers, but was shortly after released. In the spring of 1862 he was sent by the Government to New Mexico on a similar service which he followed till the close of the war. He came to Logan County, Illinois, in 1865, and with the exception of two years spent in Arkansas he has since lived here, and is now a resident of Atlanta. June 10, 1869, Mr. Pierce was married to Mrs. Annie (Stevens) Tuttle, widow of the late Francis M. Tuttle, of Logan County. In politics Mr. Pierce affiliates with the Republican party.
Adoniram J. Randolph was born July 8, 1839, in De Witt County, Illinois, a son of William and Matilda Randolph, his parents being natives of North Carolina. He was reared on a farm till sixteen years of age, and received a good common-school education. In 1861 he went to Bloomington, Illinois, and in company with Noah H. Smith engaged in the dry-goods business which he followed three years, under the firm name of Smith & Randolph. He was then employed as a salesman by the firm of W. H. Johnson & Co., until 1867, when he came to Atlanta, Logan County, and formed a partnership with W. R. Barkshire, with whom he was associated in the mercantile business till 1871. He subsequently engaged in the same business with his brother, the firm name being A. J. Randolph & Brother. In 1878 he sold his interest to his brother and engaged in the insurance business. He represents various insurance companies, among them being
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590 HISTORY OF LOGAN COUNTY.
the following: Phoenix, of Hartford; Home, of New York; Under writers, of New York; Queen, of Liverpool, England ; North western National, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and the Fire Associa- tion, of Philadelphia. Mr. Randolph was married in February, 1864, to Margaret E. Morris, daughter of John and Elizabeth Morris, formerly of Atlanta but now deceased. One child, Della L., has been born to them. She is now deceased. In 1881 Mr. Randolph was elected justice of the peace and served as such four years. In the spring of 1885 he was again elected to the office of police magistrate. He served one term as councilman, prior to its admission as a city, and has also served as alderman of the First Ward one term. He is one of the signers of the charter granting Atlanta city privileges. He is a member of Central Lodge, No. 111, A. O. U. W., of Atlanta.
Thomas R. Reeves, deceased, was born November 17, 1840, in Hamilton County, Ohio. He was a son of Daniel B. and Eliza- beth Reeves, with whom when a boy he came to Illinois. He was reared and educated in the common schools of Logan County, and February 22, 1866, he was married to Harriet Clayton, who came with her parents, Joseph and Mary Clayton, from Perry County, Ohio, to Tazewell County, Illinois, when a child. To this union were born four children-William E., born May 13, 1867; James D., January 22, 1870; Thomas D., June 6, 1876, and Frederick C., February 1, 1879. Shortly after his marriage Mr. Reeves settled in Atlanta Township, living here till his death, which occurred April 5, 1881. He was a kind, affectionate husband and father, and during his residence here won the respect of all who knew him. He served as a soldier in the late war, and partici- pated in many hotly contested battles, the hardships and exposure which he endured being the primitive cause of his early death. In his religions views he was a Presbyterian, serving his church for some time as an elder. His widow, who at present is a resi- dent of Atlanta, is also identified with the Presbyterian church. In politics Mr. Reeves was a Republican. He belonged to the Odd Fellows order, and to the Ancient Order of United Workmen.
Augustus Reise is a native of Saxony, Germany, born Novem- ber 25, 1821, a son of Charles A. and Caroline Reise. They had a family of eight children of whom six survive-Augustus, Fred- erica, Caroline, Frederick, Charles G. and Herman, who came with them to America in 1844. The family first went to St. Louis where they remained many years. The parents subsequently came to
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Atlanta, Logan County, living there till their death. Our subject came to Logan County in 1851, and in 1857 located on a farm near Atlanta, settling on the place where he now resides in 1867. Mr. Reise was first married in July, 1847, to Elizabeth German, who died in August, 1881. To this union were born five children, four still living-Clara, Augustus J., Amelia and Lillie M. In May, 1884, Mr. Reise was married to his present wife, whose maiden name was Mary Mehrtens. Mr. Reise represented Logan County in the Twenty-seventh General Assembly of Illinois, serv- ing with credit both to himself and to his constituents. He was tendered a renomination, but declined to 'accept. He has served as councilman of Atlanta, and also as director of the public schools.
Charles G. Reise, farmer and dealer in ice, Atlanta, is a native of Saxony, Germany, born June 5, 1832, a son of Charles A. and Caroline Reise. He immigrated with his parents to America in 1844, and in 1851 from St. Louis he came to Logan County, Illi- nois, locating near Atlanta, and in 1862 settled in Atlanta. In July, 1862, he enlisted in Company E, Eighty-second Illinois In- fantry, and shortly after his enlistment he was promoted to Orderly Sergeant, serving as such during the remainder of his service. Prior to his discharge, which occurred June 9, 1865, he was commissioned First Lieutenant, but failed to be mustered in as such. He took an active part in the battles of Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Chattanooga, Peach Tree Creek, Savannah, Smithfield, North Carolina, and numerous others of minor importance. He was united in marriage July 22, 1865, to Adeline Mehrtens, by whom he has had seven children, of whom four are living-Julius A., Charles J., John D. and William F. Mr. Reise is at present filling the position of road commissioner of Atlanta Township, having been elected such in the spring of 1885. In politics he af- filiates with the Democratic party. He is a comrade of the Grand Army post at Atlanta.
Thomas Roach, farmer and stock-raiser of Atlanta Township, was born near Jacksonville, Illinois, in 1843, a son of Needham and Mary A. (Beeworth) Roach. When he was a boy his parents removed to Logan County, Illinois, where he was reared to man- hood. February 26, 1877, he was married to Mary Pierce, and to them has been born one child-Opha D. Mr. Roach has made farming his principal occupation through life, and is classed among the enterprising farmers of Atlanta Township. He is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church. His father, Needham
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592 HISTORY OF LOGAN COUNTY.
Roach, was a son of John and Rachel Roach. He was a native of Tennessee, born in 1799. In 1828 he moved to Morgan County with his first wife and family. By his first marriage he had six children of whom five are yet living. He was subsequently mar- ried to Mary A. Beeworth, and to this union were born nine chil- dren, five yet living. The father settled with his family in Atlanta Township in 1852, where he died in 1867. His widow married her present husband, Reason Mills, in February, 1875. Mr. Roach was for many years a local minister in the Cumberland Presbyte- rian church.
James M. Ruch, junior member of the firm of Bennett & Ruch, millers and dealers in grain, is a son of Henry and Sarah Ruch. He was born January 6, 1837, in York County, Pennsylvania, and in 1840 moved with his parents to Butler County, Ohio, where his father died in 1847. His parents had a family of five children of whom three survive John, Elizabeth and James M. Our subject was reared on a farm till his nineteenth year, and received the benefit of a common-school education. After leaving the farm he engaged in milling in Butler County where he followed his trade till 1868, after which he was similarly employed in Darke and Mi- ami counties, Ohio, a short time. In 1868 he came to Illinois and followed his trade two years at Bloomington, and was subsequently employed a short time at Cerro Gordo, Piatt County, Illinois. He was afterward employed at Decatur and Peoria, and in 1879 he became a resident of Atlanta. After coming to this place he was first employed by the firm of Marsh & Bennett, the former with- drawing from the firm in 1883 when Mr. Ruch was admitted as & partner. He is a skillful and experienced miller, and thoroughly understands all branches of his business. January 1, 1863, he was married to Melinda B. Beeling, of Butler County, Ohio. In poli- tics Mr. Ruch is a Prohibitionist. He has held the office of city alderman for two terms. He is a member of Atlanta Lodge, No. 176, I. O. O. F.
Abram V. Scott, contractor and builder, of Atlanta, Illinois, was born December 6, 1824, in Onondaga County, New York, a son of Benjamin and Hannah Scott. His father is deceased, and his mother is now a resident of Syracuse, New York. He lived on a farm in his native county till eighteen years of age, when he be- gan learning the carpenter's trade, which he has since followed. September 6, 1849, he was married to Harriet N. Shoudy, a daugh- ter of Henry Shoudy, of Onondaga County. Five children have been
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born to them-Ansel F., Albert M., Ella M., Edgar H. and Nellie G. Ella is deceased. In 1856 Mr. Scott moved with his family to Logan County, Illinois, and located at Atlanta where for many years he has been one of the leading contractors and builders. He has served as a director of Atlanta public schools for six years, and for four years was city alderman. He is an active member of the Methodist Episcopal church, serving as local preacher for many years, and also as class-leader and steward. Mr. Scott gives liber- ally of his means to the support of his church and all public en- terprises for the good of his adopted county.
Simon B. Scott, merchant at Atlanta, is a native of Scotland, born November 7, 1823. When he was seven years old he came with his parents, George T. and Sarah B. Scott, to America, and first located in Rhode Island. In 1843 the family removed to Lo- gan County, Illinois, and settled on section 26, Eminence Town- ship. In 1852 they removed to Tazewell County, Illinois, where Mrs. Scott died, her husband surviving till 1882. Of their family of nine children seven are living --- Elizabeth, Sarah, George, Jolın, William, Frank, and Simon B., our subject. The latter followed agricultural pursuits till 1879 when he came to Atlanta and en- gaged in the mercantile business which he has since successfully followed. June 18, 1851, he was married to Nancy Bruner, a daughter of David Bruner, of Eminence Township, Logan County. To them have been born six children-Sarah E., Ada L., Ollie B., Fannie F., Mary and Emma. Mary and Emma are deceased. In politics Mr. Scott casts his suffrage with the Republican party. While a resident of Eminence Township he held the office of treas- nrer of that township.
James Shores, senior member of the mercantile firm of Shores & Sumner, was born November 20, 1823, in Wayne County, Illinois, a son of Hiram and Tincy Shores, who were natives of Tennessee. He was reared to manhood in his native county, and obtained a good common-school education. After completing his education he taught seven years in the public schools of Sangamon and Logan counties. He came to Atlanta in 1856 where he has since been variously engaged. The present firm of Shores & Sum- ner is prospering under bis good business management and is meeting with success. December 1, 1849, Mr. Shores was married to Louisa Ewing, a daughter of Joseph and Henrietta Ewing, who were early settlers of Logan County. Six of the eight children born to this union are still living-Arthur J., Alice, Frank, James
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C., Georgie and Fern. Mr. Shores has been a director of the At- lanta public schools for years. He has also served as city alderman and for one year he held the office of mayor. He is a consistent member of the Christian church. In politics he is a Prohibi- tionist.
John A. Snook, a prominent farmer of Atlanta Township, was born March 11, 1820, in Frederick County, Maryland, a son of John and Elizabeth Snook. His parents had a family of five children of whom four are yet living-George, William, Jacob B., and John A. Our subject received but a limited education, and from his youth he has devoted his time to agricultural pursuits which he has followed with success. He left Maryland when eleven years old and went to Muskingum County, Ohio, remaining there several years. He then located in Miami County, where he was married to Alchee Hendricks, a daughter of Albert Hendricks. Of the family of twelve children born to this union eight are liv- ing-George W., Mary E., Esther V., Nancy J., Miranda, Joseph, Jacob and Thomas. Mr. Snook removed from Ohio with his family to Jay County, Indiana, residing there several years. In 1864 he came to Illinois and settled in McLean County, and in the fall of 1865 he removed to Atlanta Township, Logan County, where he still resides. He has a fine farm of 336 acres of land all in a high state of cultivation. In politics he affiliates with the Democratic party.
Sylvester Strong, an old settler of Atlanta Township, was born September 3, 1805, in Cincinnati, Ohio, a son of Nathaniel and Loas Strong. When he was an infant he was taken by his grand- parents, Noah and Susannah Strong, to Greene County, Ohio, and there he was reared, and received a limited education in the early district schools. He was married November 6, 1828, in Ohio, to Elizabeth Downey, a native of Greene County, born September 3, 1809, a daughter of James and Mary Downey. Three children have been born to this union-John, Mary J. and Emma. The latter is deceased. In 1836 Mr. Strong moved with his family from Ohio to what is now Logan County, Illinois, and entered 160 acres of land in Atlanta Township, on a part of which he still re- sides. Mr. Strong has been successful in his farming pursuits, owing to his industry and excellent management. He has now a fine farm containing eighty acres of valuable land. In politics he is a Republican. Mr. Strong has always taken an interest in every enterprise which he deemed of benefit to his adopted county, and
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he and his wife have ever been held in high esteem in the township in which they make their home.
Andrew Turner, a prominent stock dealer of Atlanta, was born 'February 24, 1827, a native of Indiana. He is a son of Robert and Catherine Turner, the former a native of Tennessee, and the latter born in South Carolina. The family came to Illinois in 1830, and located in what is now Menard County. In 1831 they removed to De Witt County, remaining there several years. In 1843 Robert Turner went to Jo Daviess County, his family following him there the next year. During the gold excitement of 1849 he, with several of his sons, including our subject, went to California where he died in 1852. He had a family of eleven children of whom only two survive-Andrew and Charles M. Andrew, the subject of this sketch, returned from California in 1853, and March 4, 1855, he was married to Emma Strong, a daughter of Sylvester and Elizabeth Strong. Two children have been born to them- Lillie J. and Josephine. Josephine is deceased. Mrs. Turner died in 1866, and Mr. Turner was again married, April 14, 1869, to Ella W. Briggs, she being a daughter of J. S. and Amanda Briggs, of Taze- well County, Illinois. The children of this union are-Clyde and Ray. Mr. Turner has served one year as city alderman. He is a member of the Baptist and his wife of the Christian church. In politics he votes the Republican ticket. He is the owner of seventy acres of fine land, located inside the limits of Atlanta.
Charles M. Turner, a resident of Atlanta, is engaged in dealing in and shipping stock. He is a son of Robert and Catherine Turner, and is a native of Illinois, born in De Witt County, Sep- tember 15, 1835. He received a common-school education, and when a boy he came with his parents to Logan County, where he has since lived, with the exception of the time he spent in Cal- ifornia, and in Jo Daviess County, Illinois. December 18, 1856, he was united in marriage to Mary J. Strong, a daughter of Syl- vester Strong, of Atlanta Township, Logan County. Six children have been born to this union, five of whom are yet living-Benjamin, Carrie, William, John and Emma. Mr. Turner has been engaged in his present business for many years, which by his good manage- ment he has made a success. He is a member of Atlanta Lodge, I. O. O. F., and in politics he affiliates with the Republican party. James Tuttle, an old settler of Atlanta Township, was born in Athens County, Ohio, December 16, 1806. His parents, Chandler and Jane (Neal) Tuttle, were natives of New England, and early
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