History of Logan County, Illinois, Part 57

Author: Inter-State Publishing Co.
Publication date: 1886
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 989

USA > Illinois > Logan County > History of Logan County, Illinois > Part 57

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David Eisiminger, deceased, was an enterprising farmer of Broadwell Township, and also kept the Union Hotel in Broadwell several years. He was born in Waynesburgh, Greene County, Pennsylvania, February 8, 1818. In 1862 he enlisted in the war of the Rebellion in Company I, One Hundred and Sixth Illinois Infantry, and, after one year's service, came home on a furlough, granted on account of ill health, and died sixteen days after his arrival at home, October 2, 1863, aged forty five years, seven months and twenty-four days, and his remains were placed in the Union Cemetery at Lincoln, Illinois. He was a gallant soldier, performing faithfully all his duties. In politics he was a Repub- lican, and in religions faith a Christian, uniting with that church in 1846. He was married near Waynesburgh, his native village, October 8, 1847, to Peary Rush, a native of the same town, born May 10, 1827. She came to Broadwell, Illinois, with her husband and three children in the fall of 1856, and made this her permanent home. After suffering one week with severe illness, typhoid pneu- monia, she departed this life March 19, 1886, and was laid to rest beside her husband in the Union Cemetery at Lincoln. She had been a member of the Christian church since 1846, faithfully per- forming every duty. She was a devoted, loving and willing mother, a kind friend and neighbor. She was never weary in doing something for her sons, who deeply mourn the loss of a good mother, and were always ready to help " mother." She left five sons, who, since the death of their father, had, with her assistance, fought the battles of life. They are all intelligent, highly respected, upright and honest business men. Inghram was born September 13, 1848; was married December 8, 1870, to Annie Fancett, who was born September 4, 1854, a daughter of Phillip Faucett, for-

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merly of McLean, now of Saybrook, Illinois. He was station agent at Saybrook, in the employ of the Chicago & Alton Rail- road Company, over eleven years, and at present is working for the same company as night baggagemaster at Springfield. He has three sons-Frank, born September 4, 1872; Arthur, February 25, 1873; Charley, June 22, 1877. Abram is a dealer in dry-goods and groceries at Broadwell. Andrew, general merchant, born September 4, 1854, is single, and lived with his mother till her death. Isaac, grain merchant for Pegram & Brother, was born January 17, 1857, and was married March 2, 1882, to Ella Hibbens, who was born June 4, 1855, a daughter of William H. Hibbens. They have one child-Eccie Leone, born December 21, 1882. Lin- coln, born Angust; 30, 1860, is a clerk in his brother Abram's store, and is deputy postmaster. Andrew and Lincoln still reside on the homestead.

Jacob Eisiminger was born in Greene County, Pennsylvania, October 8, 1811, the eldest of a family of thirteen children of An- drew and Elizabeth Eisiminger. Jacob was reared on a farm, receiving the education common to farmer boys of those early days. He was married August 22, 1833, to Mary Rush, who was born in Greene County, Pennsylvania, January 31, 1812, a daughter of Michael and Anna Rush. They commenced married life on rented lands in Greene County, remaining there till 1856, when they came to Logan County, locating in Broad well Township. Since the war they have been residents of the village of Broadwell. Ten children have been born to them-Mrs. Elizabeth Ann Thomson lives in Lincoln; David died in infancy; Isaac married, and died June 11, 1878; Harvey, of Kansas; Levi died in infancy; Mrs. Jane Smith, of Lincoln, Illinois; Andrew, of Macon County, Illi- nois; Blatchley, of Kansas; Sarah Ann died in infancy; Mrs. Ellen Goldsmith lives in this township.

David Eury is one of the representative farmers of Broadwell Township. He was born in Wells County, Indiana, October 28, 1845, and lived at his home in his native county till twenty-seven years old. He was married March 28, 1872, to Arabella Pence. She was born in Sheridan Township, Logan County, a daughter of Conway Pence, deceased, who settled in this county in an early day. Mr. and Mrs. Eury have three children-Jesse, William and Catharine. Mr. Eury resides on section 17, where he owns one of the best quarter-sections in this township. He is a thorough, practical farmer, and is identified with every enterprise

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that tends to the public good. In politics he is a Republican. Mr. Eury's parents, Noah and Magdalena Eury, were natives of Maryland and Pennsylvania respectively. They were married in Ohio, and soon after settled in Wells County, Indiana. They came with their family of five children to Logan County, Illinois, in 1852, and in the spring of 1853 settled on section 8, Broad- well Township. Here the father commenced making a home on the prairie, about twenty acres being broken at that time. He commenced life in Logan County with a cash capital of less than $1,000, and by his good business management he became one of the wealthiest farmers in the township, leaving at his death about $30,000 in real estate and personal property. He was one of the foremost citizens of Logan County, respected by all for his strict integrity and good neighborly qualities. In politics he was a Re- publican. He was not connected ;with any church, but was a believer in all good work. His death occurred in the spring of 1877, at the age of sixty-two years. His widow still survives, and is now aged sixty-eight years. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Noah Eury are-Samuel, living in this township; Mrs. Elizabeth Gordon, of Broadwell Village; David, whose name heads this sketch; Martin Luther, died at the age of four years and five months; Mrs. Lydia Catherine Russell, living in this township. They had a family of four children when they came to Illinois, their youngest, Lydia Catherine, being a native of this State.

Samuel M. Eury, son of Noah and Magdalena Eury, is a native of Delaware County, Ohio, where he was born June 11, 1843. When he was twelve years old he came to Logan County with his parents, they settling on section 8, Broadwell Township. He lived at home till his father's death, which took place in the spring of 1877. He now owns a part of the old homestead in this town- ship, on section 8, where he is engaged in farming, his farm containing eighty-nine acres of choice land. He was married No- vember 13, 1879, to Margaret Jane Morrow, a native of Lincoln, Illinois, daughter of William and Maria Morrow, residents of Lin- coln. They have one child-Emma Magdalena, born February 1, 1883. Mr. Eury is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He has served as school director in this township, where he is one of the most respected citizens. He takes an active part in all enterprises for the good of his county. In politics he is a Republican, with Prohibition sympathies.

William Fogarty was born in County Tipperary, Ireland, De-

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cember 15, 1830, a son of John and Bridget Fogarty. His parents came to America with their four sons, Michael, Patrick, William and John, landing at New York City, May 28, 1852. The parents settled in Orange County, New York, on a farm near Newburgh, and there they lived till their death. Their son Jolin died at Mem- phis, Tennessee, two years after coming to this country. Michael died soon after his marriage at Newburgh, Patrick dying the same year, leaving a widow and five children. William Fogarty lived with his parents till he came to Logan County, and was employed in helping the farmers in his neighborhood. He was married January 19, 1856, to Bridget Hickey, born the same year, and a native of the same county as her husband. Shortly after his mar- riage he came to Logan County, reaching Lincoln, March 21, 1856. After working a few months for Samuel Wilson he bought a team and commenced breaking prairie land for other parties. In 1857 he bought forty acres of land in Sheridan Township, and made his home there for twenty-two years, adding to his first purchase from time to time till he owned 465 acres. He sold his property in Sheridan Township, and March 1, 1879, he moved to section 23, Broadwell Township, buying the Braucher estate, which contained 470 acres. Mr. Fogarty had a small capital of about $250 when he came to Logan County. He was met with great success in all his undertakings, and by industry, combined with good management, he has become one of the most substantial farmers of Broadwell Township. He has added 247 acres to his first purchase in this township, and now has one of the best improved farins in his neigh- borhood, with good farm buildings. Mr. and Mrs. Fogarty have had six children born to them-Mary Ellen, died, aged two and a half years; Bridget, wife of John Ryan, of Tazeweil County; John, died, aged ten months; Kate, died, aged nine months; Willie and Julia, still reside with their parents. In politics Mr. Fogarty is identified with the Democratic praty.

William H. Forbis is a native of Logan County, Illinois, born on section 3, Broadwell Township, June 1, 1849, a son of Jesse and Leanna Forbis, the father a resident of Lincoln, the mother deceased. . William H. spent his boyhood days in the city of Lin- coln. He has always lived in Logan County, and is a farmer by occupation, which avocation he has followed with success. He has occupied his present home on section 9, this township, about fif- teen years, where he has a fine farm of 160 acres. He was united in marriage February 11, 1874, to Lizzie A. Patterson, who was born

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December 22, 1850, in Xenia, Ohio. She came to Logan County with her parents, William and Margaret A. Patterson, in April, 1855, they locating in Postville. Her father was a soldier in the late war, a member of Company G, One Hundred and Sixth Illi- nois Infantry. He died at Pine Bluff, Arkansas, February 12, 1865. Mrs. Patterson is at present living at Lincoln. Mr. and Mrs. Forbis have two children-William J. and Margaret L. In his political views Mr. Forbis is a Republican.

John Hickey, a native of County Tipperary, Ireland, was born December, 1822, a son of James and Mary (Maher) Hickey. His parents had a family of four children-John, William, Patrick (died in Ireland) and Mary. In 1847 John Hickey left his native country and emigrated to America, landing in New York City. He first located in Virginia, where he lived about six years, most of the time being employed on public works. While a resident of Virginia he became acquainted with Miss Ellen Hickey, whom he married at Cumberland, Maryland, July 14, 1850. They have eight children living-James, residing in this township; Mrs. Ellen Mitchell, of Lincoln; Mrs. Johanna Ryan, of Delavan, Tazewell County, Illinois; and William, Mary, John, Frank and Thomas, living at home. Mr. Hickey came to Logan County, Illinois, in 1854, and farmed on rented land till March. 1878, when he bought his present home on section 8, Broadwell Township. Mr. Hickey came from Ireland in very limited circumstances, but is now one of the well-to-do farmers of this township-the reward of a life of industry and frugality. His home farm contains 300 acres of choice land under an excellent state of cultivation. Mr. Hickey's mother died in Ireland, and later he sent for his father, whom he cared for till his death, which occurred about the year 1865. His brother William came to this county, and died in Sheridan Town- Bhip. His sister Mary is now the wife of Michael Mohan. Mr. and Mrs. Hickey and their family are members of the Roman Catholic church.

George W. James, one of the prominent farmers of Broadwell Township, resides on section 36, where he has one of the finest residences in the township, built in 1882. His farm, which is one of the best in the neighborhood, contains 440 acres of valuable land, and is well stocked. He has been a resident of Logan County since 1849, living first in Mount Pulaski. At that time his means were limited, and for five or six years he worked for others, the most of the time, however, for Theodore Lawrence. The first land

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owned by him was on sections 26 and 27, this township. He bought his present farm in 1865. Mr. James is a native of West Virginia, born in Greenbrier County, December 7, 1825. When he was six years old his parents, Mordecai and Mary James, moved to Pike County, Ohio, and there he grew to manhood. He was mar- ried Jannary 13, 1853, to Sophia Brown, a native of Franklin County, Ohio, born in 1833, a daughter of Solomon and Mary Brown. They have had nine children-Mary, wife of Mathew Withrow, of Sangamon County; Rachel, wife of John H. Everman, of Lawn- dale; Harriet E., deceased wife of John B. Humphrey; Margaret, wife of Clark Humphrey, of Lawndale; William L., of Ness County, Kansas; Eliza, died aged two years; George G., at home; David F., died in infancy, and Luln Belle, at home. In politics Mr. James is a Republican and a strict prohibitionist. He and his wife and all save two of his children are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. He has always taken an active in- terest in the affairs of his church, and has also been an earnest supporter of the educational interests of his town. He served a number of years as highway commissioner of his town.

John Kline, deceased, was one of the pioneers of Broadwell Township. He came to Logan County, Illinois, in 1835, and in the spring of 1836 made his home on section 34 of this township, residing here till his death, September 5, 1852. Mr. Kline was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, July 25, 1797, and when about twenty years of age he came to America, landing here July 4, 1817. After spending a short time in Philadelphia, he removed to Pike County, Ohio, where he engaged in farming, remaining there till coming to Logan County. February 22, 1828, he mar- ried Nancy Willday. She was born in Delaware, August 5, 1805, and still survives her husband, being now in her eighty-first year. To Mr. and Mrs. Kline were born six children-Hannah, widow of James McGee, living in Broadwell; Margaret, deceased wife of George W. Read; Mary, deceased wife of John A. Critchfield; John W., of this township; Thomas W. and Ellen (twins), born in this county-the former died aged five years; Ellen is now the wife of Clark Jennings, of Dent County, Missouri. Mr. Kline came to this county in limited circumstances, but was quite suc- cessful in his agricultural pursnits. At his death he left a well stocked farm, and was the owner of 400 acres of land.

Samuel J. Lowman, one of the representative and progressive farmers of Broadwell Township, resides on section 18, his farm of

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318 acres being on sections 18 and 19. He was born in Washing- ton County, Maryland, October 25, 1821, and in 1841 accompa- nied his parents, James and Sarah Lowman, to Logan County, Illinois. His father settled on a farm near Mt. Pulaski where he died in 1850, the mother having preceded him a few years. Their family consisted of six children, all of whom save Elizabeth (Mrs. McGarvey) are living-Mrs. Margaret Carr lives in Ohio; Mrs. Caroline Sherman, of California; Samuel J .; Mrs. Sarah A. Goldsmith, of Lincoln; and Mary Jane, of California. Samuel J. Lowman made his home with his par- ents three years after coming to Logan County, and subse- quently worked several years at farming for others, and at intervals for himself. In 1853 he bought land in Broadwell Township, and in 1854 began improving his present home. Imbued by nature with an indomitable will and energy that was destined to overcome all obstacles, he went bravely to work, and soon had his land under cultivation and was rewarded by good crops and a plentiful harvest. His efforts have been universally crowned with success, and his farm is now one of the best and his improvements the most comfortable and complete in the township. Not only has he labored to make his personal interests a success, but in everything that tends toward the advancement of the material and social interests of his town and county he has always been an act- ive worker, giving liberally of both time and money for the sup- port of every laudable enterprise. His honest integrity and unselfishness have made him a popular and honored citizen. Mr. Lowman was married in 1858 to Isabella Davis, who was born near Elkhart, this county, April 17, 1832, a daughter of Edward and Ruth Davis, pioneers of Logan County, from Kentucky. Mr. and Mrs. Lowman have had seven children, of whom only the sec- ond eldest and the two youngest, Henrietta, Samuel E. and Charles W., are living. Martha Ann, a twin brother of Henrietta, John H., and one unnamed died in infancy. In politics Mr. Lowman affiliates with the Democratic party.

Samuel G. Martin, deceased, was born in Clinton County, Ohio, November 27, 1805, and removed to Logan County, Illinois, in 1828, when the site of Lincoln was a prairie, Springfield had but one or two houses, and Mt. Pulaski, Decatur, and even Chicago, were unknown. Like all Ohioans, he settled in the edge of the timber, and there made a farm and spent many happy days, own- ing 300 acres in Corwin Township. He lived till seventy-nine

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years of age, when, although he had been ill some time, at the last his death was sudden to his friends, and he gave up his spirit peacefully and resignedly to the God who gave it. He was an honorable, upright man, possessed of a pleasant, joyous nature, and was respected and esteemed by all who knew him. His rem- iniscences of the early days of the county, as related by him, were interesting and entertaining, and often, when comparing the present with the past, a sigh would escape him, indicative of his preference for the early days. His wife, Sarah Jane Martin, died in 1844. His daughter, Helen, is the wife of Abram Boughan, of Broad- well Township.

Israel Matthews, section 25, Broadwell Township, is one of the representative farmers of the township. In 1850 he bought ninety acres of land, but thirty of which had been broken, and on which was a small shanty. He has improved his land and by subsequent purchases has added to it till he now owns 430 acres of valuable land. The rude cabin has given place to a fine residence and his other buildings are comfortable and commodious. He has by in- dustry accumulated a good home for his old age, and by upright integrity has won the confidence and esteem of his neighbors. Mr. Matthews was born in Hampshire, now Morgan County, Virginia, April 23, 1812, a son of Levi and Annie Matthews. About 1834 he accompanied his parents to Pike County, Ohio, where they lived till 1839 when they came to Illinois and located in Morgan County, where his parents died. Our subject was the second of eight chil- dren and is the only representative of the family living. He was married in Pike County, Ohio, January 3, 1839, to Elizabeth J. Candy, a native of Hampshire County, Virginia. She died in Morgan County, Illinois, September 3, 1847, aged twenty-six years and six months. Their three children are-John W., of this township; David M., of McLean County; and Zachary T., of this township. May 19, 1850, Mr. Matthews married Elizabeth Hodges, a native of Pennsylvania. Their only child, Israel A., died in infancy. Mrs. Matthews died October 26, 1854, aged thirty-seven years, two months and twenty-two days. December 16, 1855, Mr. Matthews married Susannah Thomas, a native of Pike County, Ohio, born May 22, 1837, a daughter of Hiram and Eliza Jane Thomas. Her mother died in Ohio and in 1854, her father came to Illinois and died here in November, 1855. To Mr. and Mrs. Matthews have been born three children-Thomas F., married Mary E. Brooker; Mary A., wife of Daniel Spangler, and L. Edith.

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In politics Mr. Matthews is a Democrat. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Andrew J. Mc Gee, a son 'of James and Hannah (Kline) McGee, was born in Buffalo Hart Township, Sangamon County, Illinois, March 24, 1855. James McGee was born in the State of Tennes- see, October 24, 1822, and came with his parents to Logan County in 1836. He was a life-long farmer, an occupation in which he was very successful. His home farm of 258 acres on sections 17 and 18, Buffalo Hart Township, Sangamon County, and section 7, Elkhart Township, Logan County, is one of the best farms in the township. He was a thoroughly practical farmer and made for himself a good home. He died December 18, 1864. He was one of the representative citizens of the county, a kind and indulgent parent and loving husband. He was twice married. His first wife was Rebecca Burns. To them were born three children-John T., born April 2, 1845; William R., born March 22, 1847; Esau, born February 22, 1849, died May 9, 1849. The mother died in 1849, and March 14, 1850, Mr. McGee married Hannah Kline, a native of Pike County, Ohio, born February 10, 1829, daughter of John and Nancy Kline. Five children were born to them-James H., born October 4, 1851, died November 2, 1853; Jacob K., born July 1, 1853, died October 3, 1854; Andrew J., born March 24, 1855; George W., born December 27, 1856; Austin H., born Feb- ruary 5, 1862, died October 9, 1863. Since 1866 Mrs. McGee has lived in the village of Broadwell where she has a pleasant home. Andrew J. McGee was but nine years of age when his father died, and when eleven years of age his mother moved to Broadwell, where he was reared and educated. He made good use of his ad- vantages, was studious, and is one of the best informed young men in the town. He is a man of fine business qualifications and is one of the prominent citizens of Broadwell. He is employed in the office of Randolph, Read & Co., grain dealers, and by his close attention to business has gained the confidence and esteem of his employers. He is the owner of the old homestead farm in Sanga- mon County. His brother George owns and occupies a farm of ninety acres adjoining the village of Broadwell on the east. The latter married Mary Davis and has two children-Maud and Fred.

Edmund Rankin, section 7, Broadwell Township, is one of the pioneers of Logan County; was born in Wilmington, Delaware, June 24, 1814, a son of William and Priscilla (Cripps) Rankin. His father was a motive of Ireland, and came to the United States

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in 1802, the year he attained his majority. Two days after reach- ing New Castle, Delaware, he became a teacher in a ladies' sem- inary at Wilmington. His first wife, Priscilla, was the only daughter of Mathew and Elizabeth (Stidam) Cripps, whose family were among the early settlers of Delaware, and was of German origin. When Edmund was an infant his mother died, he being the youngest of four children. One sister, Mrs. Maria Martin, of Chester County, Pennsylvania, is still living. The father was again married, taking for his second wife Mrs. Leah Caldwell Stilley. The father died in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, in 1834. When our subject became of age he fell heir to a large amount of real estate in the city of Wilmington, the property of his mother. He came to Logan County, Illinois, in 1836, settling in his present home in the spring of that year. He bought several hundred acres in the neighborhood of his home the second day after his arrival, which he afterward disposed of. Several years after coming to this county he engaged largely in the purchase of cattle and hogs, driving the former in droves of hundreds to Phil- adelphia market, and the latter to St. Louis. He was successfully engaged in that business about fifteen years. He has at different times driven 500 head of cattle East, and as many as 1,100 hogs in one drove to St. Louis. The trip to Philadelphia usually occu- pied about three months, and three weeks to return. In 1851 Mr Rankin bought the mill property of Leo Myers at Rocky Fora. He completed the mill, and carried on business at that point till. a comparatively recent date. He was married to Helena Augusta Philipsen February 11, 1849, and commenced housekeeping near his present residence. She was born near Dantzig, Prussia, June 19, 1835, coming to America in 1838, and soon afterward to this county, with her parents, Abraham and Renate Florentine Philip- sen, who are now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Rankin have seven. Bons and one daughter, all but the second son, Edmund, Jr., living at home. He was married to Laura Rigle, and lives near Lincoln. The children are all natural musicians, and the " Rankin Family Brass Band," which consists of the six boys and their sister, Pris- cilla, is known throughout the county for its sweet and harmonious music. Mr. Rankin was at one time one of the most active busi- ness men to be found in Central Illinois, and in all business trans- actions his honorable dealing made him a host of friends. His dealing in real estate has been quite extensive, and he yet owns a large amount of property. In politics Mr. Rankin has been a life --

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History of Logan County, Illinois, Part 57

Author: Inter-State Publishing Co. Publication date: 1886 Publisher: Number of Pages: 989

Author: Inter-State Publishing Co.
Publication date: 1886
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 989