History of Logan County, Illinois, Part 80

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

USA > Illinois > Logan County > History of Logan County, Illinois > Part 80

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

POLITICAL.

Orvil Township is strongly Republican in political campaigns. The vote for President since the adoption of township organiza- tion has been:

1868-Ulysses S. Grant .. .133 77

1880-James A. Garfield.

.. .. 198

Horatio Seymour.

1872-Ulysses S. Grant.

.178

121

Horace Greeley. 57

1876-Rutherford B. Hayes ..

.179

John P. St. John.

Samuel J. Tilden

.. 81

Winfield S. Hancock. .. 130

James B. Weaver

1884-James G. Blaine.

.163

Grover Cleveland.

114

Benj. F. Butler

HARTSBURG,

in Orvil Township, about eight miles north of Lincoln, on the Peoria, Decatur & Evansville Railroad, was laid out by Thomas G. Gardner, County Surveyor, June 22, 1871. Captain D. H.

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Harts, was the owner of the plat, and for him the survey was made, and from him the town took its name. The first merchant in town was E. R. Woland, who conducted the business for Henry Ruhack, of Pekin, proprietor. J. E. Miller opened the second store. The next was started by J. D. Hoyne, and the fourth by L. Nall. In 1874 A. W. Ray erected the present elevator, on the site of a small one he used a year or two previously. A good trade in grain is now maintained.

P. P. Brady erected the first dwelling in town, and J. A. Musick, whose parents were the first settlers in this part of the county, built the second.

Until 1876 school was conducted only in the district school- house, a short distance from town. In that year the present school-house was erected.

The German Lutherans and Methodists hold services here on alternate Sundays, Rev. Lang, of Emden, preaching for the for- mer, and Rev. Counselman for the latter. The English Method- ists have a society, and occasionally hold services in the German church.

Hartsburg has about 200 inhabitants. The business firms of 1885 are: Sam Manges, E. & C. Miller and B. Dixon, grain buy- ers; Fred Hamer, hardware and drugs; H. Kettler, dry-goods and groceries; J. A. Hogue, grocery; Preston N. Willis, black- smith; K. B. Janssen, blacksmith; Nall & Co., general merchant; R. P. Nall, postmaster; M. B. Sowers, station agent.

EMDEN,

a village of about 200 inhabitants, is situated in the north part of the county, in Orvil Township. The village is the result of the Pekin, Lincoln & Decatur Railroad passing through this township. It was completed in 1871, and on June 15 the town was surveyed by Thomas G. Gardner, County Surveyor, for John M. Gill, of Pekin, Illinois, the original proprietor. The land before com- prised part of the farm of A. J. Snyder, and at the date of the sur- vey two houses were standing on the plat. The first store was built by B. F. Burnett, the first postmaster and depot agent. During the summer of 1873 the first elevator in town was built by A. W. Ray. . The second elevator was built in 1875 by Smith, Kippen & Co.

The village was named from Emden on the river Ems, in Ger- many, whence many of the Germans in this locality emigrated.

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BIOGRAPHICAL.

George G. Betzleberger was born in Wurtemburg, Germany, June 19, 1826. He was reared on a farm and resided in his native coun- try until 1853, when, on March 28 of that year, he left his home and came to America with his half-brother, landing at New York after a voyage of thirty-five days. He first located near Syracuse, New York, remaining there till 1855, when he came to Illinois and worked as a farm-hand at Atlanta. In 1856 he married Mary Dittmer, a native of Hesse, Germany, who came to America in 1854. They have seven children-John, Caroline, Jacob, Lizzie, Godfred, Mary and Bertha. Mr. Betzleberger first rented land, working hard and living economically, and in the fall of 1864 he purchased 100 of land acres on section 32, in the northern part of Orvil Township, on which was a small one-story house and a few other improvements. He paid for this land $100 cash, giving a mort- gage for $1,500 and his note for $900. Mr. Betzleberger was in poor health, but by persevering industry and strict economy of himself and wife, the land was paid for at the end of six years, and he was the owner of considerable live-stock and farm machinery. He now owns 290 acres of highly cultivated land, and his improve- ments are second to none in the county. Since becoming a citi- zen of the United States Mr. Betzleberger has voted the Republi- can ticket, casting his first vote for Abraham Lincoln in 1860. He is a member of the Lutheran church, and is highly respected by all who know him for his honest and upright dealings.

Henry Hallman became a resident of Emden, Logan County, in 1875, at which date he formed a partnership with George W. Miller and engaged in the general mercantile business under the firm name ot Miller & Hallman until 1881, when Mr. Hallman be- came sole proprietor, and has since continued the business alone. Mr. Hallman is a native of Germany, born October 20, 1852. He remained in Germany till 1868, when he came to America with his uncle, George Hallman. He first located at Pekin, Illinois, where he learned the shoemaker's trade, which he followed till coming to Emden. Mr. Hallman was married in May, 1877, to Lena Oltheas, a native of Germany. Of the five children born to them only three are living-John, Ollie and Fannie. One child died at the age of three years, and one aged two years. Mr. and Mrs. Hallman are members of the Methodist church.

Friedericus Hamer is a native of Germany, born in the kingdom of Hanover, March 5, 1858. He received a good education in his

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native country, and there learned the trade of a confectioner, which he followed till 1878. He then came to America with his brother, Dr. Thad. F. Hamer, and has since resided at Hartsburg, Logan County. He was first engaged in clerking for his brother, and in 1881 succeeded him in his business, which he still continues.

Peter Hamer is a native of Hanover, Germany, born December 10, 1852. After completing his education he clerked for a time in a wholesale grocery and liquor establishment. At the age of nine- teen years he entered the German army and served one year, and in 1874 he emigrated to the United States. He first located at Freeport, and a year later went to Ackley, Iowa, and traveled for a firm dealing in agricultural implements. In 1879 he located at Hartsburg, Logan County, Illinois, and has since been engaged in the drug business in connection with his brother. In 1883 Mr. Hamer was married to Ellen McAvoy, daugher of Daniel McAvoy. They have two children-Minnie and Frederick W. In politics Mr. Hamer is a Republican.

Jacob Hammond was a native of Pennsylvania, and a farmer by occupation. He came to Illinois and settled in Logan County in 1857, and followed farming near Mt. Pulaski till his death, in 1875. His wife, whose maiden name was Mary Beck, was a na- tive of Germany. She died in 1867. They had a family of four children, three still living-Sarah J., now Mrs. Woland; Callie, wife of James Brady, and Joseph. Sarah J. was born in Hancock County, Ohio, July 7, 1843, and in 1859 was married to Enoch Preston, and to this union was born one daughter-Mary E., now wife of W. O. Jones. Mr. Preston enlisted in the late war in Company F, Seventy-third Illinois Infantry, and was killed at the battle of Franklin in 1865. In 1867 Mrs. Preston married Mitchell Preston, and to them were born four children, three still living-William, Luvettie and Odie. Mitchell Preston died July 1, 1876, and in 1882, Mrs. Preston became the wife of E. R. Woland.

John A. Hogue, a son of William and Elizabeth Hogue, was born February 14, 1837, in Belmont County, Ohio. His father died in 1840, leaving a family of six children, three sons and three daugh- ters, and the mother subsequently married William Brady. John A. was reared on a farm in Ohio, and came to Logan County, Illi- nois, April 12, 1856. In 1861 he enlisted in Company F, Thirty- eighth Illinois Infantry, and served three years and two months. He was wounded at the battle of Stone River, which disabled him

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850 HISTORY OF LOGAN COUNTY.

from service for several months. He was again wounded at Chickamauga, after which he served in the commissary depart- ment. After being mustered out he returned to Logan County, and February 27, 1868, he was married to Mary J. Jackson, & daughter of William H. Jackson. In 1871 he gave up farming and engaged in general merchandising at Hartsburg, which business he still follows. Politically he affiliates with the Republican party. He has served three years as township supervisor, and has also acted as town clerk, and from 1872 till 1885 he held the office of postmaster. He is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen. To Mr. and Mrs. Hogue have been born eight chil- dren, of whom seven survive -- William James, Alice L., Lalu May, Theron Walter, Robert Garfield, Addie and Carl E.

James Inskeep, a son of Fountain and Ellen Inskeep, was born in Brown County, Ohio, February 2, 1847. He was reared on a farm, and educated in the common schools, remaining in his na- tive county till 1871. He then came to Logan County, Illinois, and now resides on section 3, Orvil Township, and is the owner of 160 acres of well-cultivated land. He was married in 1875 to Al- cinda Summers, daughter of Dr. Jefferson Summers. In politics Mr. Inskeep affiliates with the Democratic party. He has held the office of school director. He is a member of the Masonic fra- ternity, and is an active worker for the cause of temperance.

Levi Jackson is a son of William H. and Rebecca Jackson, and was born in Frederick County, Maryland, March 25, 1853. He came with his parents to Illinois in 1856 and has since been a res- ident of Logan County. He was reared to manhood on a farm, and educated in the common schools of this county. In the fall of 1874, he was united in marriage to Miss Jennie Musick, daugh- ter of Henry and Martha Musick. They are the parents of five children-Harry, Clara, Willie, Jennie and Ellen. In politics Mr. Jackson affiliates with the Republican party, and has served his township in the school offices. He is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen.

James N. Longan who has been a resident of this county since 1862, is a native of Pennsylvania, born July 4, 1836: He is a son of Thomas C. and Mary A. Longan, the former born on the ocean while his parents were coming from Ireland to America, and the latter born in Lycoming County, Pennsylvania. James N. was reared on a farm in Lycoming County, and July 3, 1860, he was married to Harriet A. Minsker, a native of the same county. She

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ORVIL TOWNSHIP.

died in November, 1880, leaving one daughter, who is now living in Mason City. In the fall of 1862 Mr. Longan came to Illinois and settled on section 21, Orvil Township, Logan County. In 1863 he removed to section 28 where he followed farming till 1872. He then located in the village of Hartsburg and engaged in buying grain for A. W. Ray, having charge of his business till 1878. Mr. Ray then sold out to Williams, Railsbach & Co., Mr. Lon- gan continuing as their manager. In 1881 the firm sold to Car- penter & Martling, with whom Mr. Longan remained till 1883, since which time he has dealt in stock and grain for himself. He is also express agent for the United States Express Company having been in their employ twelve years. He is at present serving as con- stable and collector, holding the latter office four years. He has served as school treasurer ten years, township assessor two years, and town clerk three years. In politics he is a Republican, always taking an active interest in his party. He is a member of the An- cient Order of United Workmen.

James Mc Cormick, son of John and Elizabeth (Gilchrist) Mc- Cormick, was born in New Galloway, Kirkcudbrightshire, Scotland, February 5, 1829. He learned the trade of a granite stone cutter, which he followed in his native country till 1853 when he immigrated to America, landing at New York, May 1, 1853. He worked at his trade in Massachusetts till 1857, and June 28 of that year he went to Washington, D. C. November 20, 1858, he sailed from New York and returned to Scotland, and December 13, 1858, he was married at Liverpool, England, to Eliza McGowen, a native of Wigton, Scotland. She was born November 16, 1834. He then sailed with his wife for America, landing at New York, February 9, 1859. He went to Washington, D. C., and continued his trade. In the fall of 1860 he came to Logan County, Illinois, and pur- chased eighty acres of his present farm, and June 1, 1861, he removed his family, and has since been a resident of Orvil Town- ship. He gives his whole attention to agricultural pursuits in which he has been very successful. He now owns 360 acres of well- cultivated land, and his commodious residence, which was erected in 1873, where he is surrounded with all the necessary comforts of life. Mr. and Mrs. McCormick have a family of eight children, consisting of six sons and two daughters, the two eldest born in Washington, D. C .; the others in Orvil Township, Logan County, Illinois. In politics the subject of this sketch is a Democrat. He was a resident of Washington during the stormy days prior to the

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HISTORY OF LOGAN COUNTY.

Civil war. He heard President Lincoln deliver his first inaugural address, and visited Congress while in session, seeing and hearing the prominent men of that day.

James Mc Math was born in Kirkcudbrightshire, Scotland, in August, 1819. He was reared on a farm, residing in his native country till the spring of 1845 when he came to America. He first located in Ontario County, New York, and in the fall of 1853 married Jane Stewart, who is also a native of Kirkcudbrightshire, Scotland. They have seven children-James, farming in Nebraska; Margaret; Ellen, wife of William Morris; Jane, wife of George Musick; John, Mary and Fannie. On the day of his marriage Mr. McMath started with his wife for Illinois, going by railroad to Buffalo, thence by boat to Detroit, across Michigan by rail, and by boat to Chicago, thence to La Salle where they again took the boat on the Illinois River for Pekin. He at once settled in Logan County, renting the first year, not being able to get a carpenter to build him a house. The second year he settled on his own land on section 16, Orvil Township, where he has since resided, and is now the owner of 320 acres of land all well improved. In politics he affiliates with the Democratic party.

George W. Miller, second son of William B. and Martha (Mountjoy) Miller, is a native of Logan County, born in Eminence Township, June 22, 1845. He was reared a farmer which avo- cation he followed till 1873. He then left the farm and began dealing in live-stock at Emden. For a time he was engaged in the general mercantile business with his father, and from 1875 till 1881 he was a member of the firm of Miller & Hallman. At pres- ent he is dealing in grain and live-stock. February 4, 1864, he was married to Lottie B. Sumner, and the children of this union are-Lona A., Clara and Charles. Mr. Miller and his wife are members of the Christian church. In politics he is a Republican.

William B. Miller, one of the pioneers of Logan County, came here from Tennessee with his parents about 1818 when quite young. He was reared to farming pursuits, and with the exception of two years, when he was engaged in the mercantile business at Emden with his son, he followed the occupation of a farmer. He was mar- ried to Martha Mountjoy, and reared a family of seven children, of whom five still survive-Benjamin F., farming in Tazewell County; George W., of Emden; Thomas J., a farmer of Logan County; Henry C., also farming in Logan County, and Laura, wife of J. C. Bruner, of Eminence Township, this county. Mr. Miller died in

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1881. His widow still survives and resides on the old homestead.

Frank H. Miller, son of Jeremiah and Sarah Ann Miller, was born August 15, 1861, a native of Logan County, Illinois. His early life was spent on a farm, and in attending the common schools. He afterward attended Lincoln University, taking a se- lect course such as would be beneficial to him in after life. In 1882 he became associated with his brother, J. E. Miller, since which they have carried on a successful grain business. December 25, 1881, Mr. Miller was united in marriage to Jessie Applegate, daughter of F. S. Applegate, of Atlanta. They have one daughter named Cecile. Mr. and Mrs. Miller are members of the Christian church.

Jeremiah Miller was born in Kentucky, January 20, 1827, and when grown to manhood he immigrated to Illinois, locating in Logan County, where he soon after married Sarah Ann Hawes who was also a native of Kentucky. He came to this county with only a few dollars, but by his indomitable energy and untiring industry he accumulated wealth, and at the time of his death he was worth $25,000. He began working on a farm in Logan County at 88 per month which he followed two years, and afterward pre-empted 160 acres of land in Orvil Township. In 1882 he removed to Atlanta, and subsequently engaged in the grain business at that place, be- ing a member of the firm of Miller & Hawes till the spring of 1885 when, on account of failing health, he retired from the business. He died in October, 1885, leaving a widow, who is still a resident of Atlanta, and six children-Arthur P. and Lina (twins), John E., Charles A., Frank H. and William A. who are all prominent citizens of Logan County. Mr. Miller was a kind and affectionate husband and father, and as a citizen and neighbor he was univer- sally respected for his sound integrity and honest dealings. He was one of the founders of the Bethel Church, and ever afterward led a Christian life. His remains were buried in Bethel Cemetery.

Gilbert Morris, son of Calvin and Achsah (Nichols) Morris, was born in Miami County, Ohio, June 22, 1855. He was reared to the life of a farmer, and was educated in the common schools. He made his home in Miami County till 1877, although previous to this time he had spent several years in the West. After he was fourteen years of age he spent his time in attending school during the winter and in working for various parties during the summer months. In 1877 he came to Logan County, Illinois, where he has made a permanent settlement. In 1879 he was married to Sarah

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C. Jackson, daughter of William Jackson. They have three chil - dren-Ethel, Jacob H. and Edith. In politics Mr. Morris affili- ates with the Democratic party. He is at present serving as commissioner of Orvil Township.

Richard P. Nall, Postmaster at Hartsburg, was born in Ohio County, Kentucky, June 15, 1838. He is a son of Larkin and Juliet (Griffin) Nall, his father a native of Kentucky, and his mother born near Culpeper, Virginia. His father was engaged in the general mercantile trade for fifty years, and also dealt in to- bacco, beside keeping hotel, and in his various enterprises he was successful and is now retired from the active duties of life and is at present a resident of Lincoln, Illinois. Richard P., our subject, received a common-school education in the schools of his native county. In 1861 he was married to Camillia Shanks, a daughter of Q. C. Shanks, of Kentucky, and in 1864 he came to Logan County, Illinois, and engaged in farming, his father having pre- viously purchased land here. After remaining here one season he returned to Kentucky. Two years later he returned to Logan County and engaged in the grocery business at Lincoln. He sub- sequently returned to Kentucky where his wife died in 1868. She left one son who is now deceased. In 1871 he again came to Il- linois, and in 1872 located at Hartsburg where he has since been engaged in the mercantile business. In 1874 he was married to his present wife, Johanna Hildebrand, of Peoria, and to them have been born three children-Fannie, Larkin and Louisa. Politically Mr. Nall is a Democrat. He has held several local offices, and September 1, 1885, he was appointed postmaster of Hartsburg. He is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and also belongs to the Bloomington Northwestern Society.

H. A. J. Paul was born in Kentucky, March 30, 1832, a son of Edmund and Rachel (Gray) Paul, who were also natives of Ken- tucky. About 1835 he removed with his father's family to Mon- roe County, Indiana, where the mother died in 1884. The father still resides in the same county. They were the parents of nine children, seven of whom are still living. Our subject was reared on a farm, and has made farming a life work, in which he met with success. He has been a resident of Logan County since August, 1850, and his home is now on section 34, Orvil Town- ship, adjoining Tazewell County. He owns a well-cultivated farm of 285 acres, and his home is supplied with all the necessary comforts of life. Politically he is a Democrat, and has held sev-

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eral local offices. He was married October 11, 1855, to Mary Hinkle, a native of Monroe County, Indiana, and of the five children born to this union four are living-William Henry, Jonathan J., James E., and Alice, wife of George Scott. David M. died at the age of fifteen months. Mr. and Mrs. Paul are members of the Christian church.

Emanuel R. Woland, eldest son of Solomon and Catherine Woland, was born in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, May 13, 1837. He received a good common-school education, and at the age of fourteen years he began boating on the canal which he fol- lowed one year. He then clerked in a store till 1855 when he came with his father's family to Illinois and became a resident of Logan County. He has followed farming continuously with the exception of three years, when he resided in Hartsburg and was engaged in the grain business. He was married October 27, 1859, to Mary' E. Meixel, a native of Union County, Pennsylvania, and daughter of George Meixel, who settled in Logan County in 1854. She died in November, 1878, leaving five children-Clarence J., Samuel G., John H., Minnie M. and Luella M. September 26, 1882, Mr. Woland was married to his present wife, Mrs. Sarah J. (Hammond) Preston. In politics Mr. Woland is a Republican, having voted for that party since attaining his majority. He has served as con- stable twelve years and as deputy sheriff four years. He is a member of the Odd Fellows order, and also of the Ancient Order of United Workmen.

Solomon Woland has resided in Logan County since the spring of 1855. He was born in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, April 17, 1805, a son of John and Margaret (Ditty) Woland, who were also natives of Pennsylvania. His early life was spent on a farm, and at the age of eighteen years he began learning the tailor's trade which he followed for many years. June 16, 1829,he mar- ried Catherine Readle, who was born near our subject's birth place. They had a family of six children of whom four are living-Louisa, now Mrs. Hilscher; Emanuel R., Susanna M. and Solomon J. Mr. Woland moved to Lycoming County, Pennsylvania, where he resided till 1855 when he came West and located in this county, and immediately began farming. In 1856 he settled on section 3, Orvil Township, where he still makes his home. Mrs. Woland died in March, 1880. In his religious views Mr. Woland believes in the doctrines taught in the Cumberland Presbyterian church.

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CHAPTER XXXI.

PRAIRIE CREEK TOWNSHIP.

DESCRIPTION .- LIST OF TOWNSHIP OFFICERS, 1867-'85 .- STATISTIOS. -POLITICAL .- SAN JOSE .- BIOGRAPHICAL.

The township to which this chapter is devoted occupies the northwest corner of Logan County and contains forty-two sections of land. It is bounded on the north by Tazewell County, on the east by Orvil Township, on the south by Sheridan Township and on the west by Mason County. It derives its name from Prairie Creek, which flows southwest through the middle of the township. The northwest corner is crossed by the Chicago & Alton Railroad, and the northeast corner by the Peoria, Decatur & Evansville Railroad.

TOWNSHIP OFFICERS.

Below are given the names of those elected to office each year since the township was organized:

1867- Supervisor, John Linbarger; Clerk, Nelson Cheenut; Assessor, Isaac V. Cunningham; Collector, Alexander R. Chesnut; Highway Commissioners, Cyrus Dillon, Moses Leavette and Nich- olas Hubbard; Justices, Cyrus Dillon and I. V. Cunningham; Constable, Nathan Newkirk and William H. Crites.

1868-Supervisor, Thomas Edes; Clerk, Nelson Chesnut; As- sessor. Isaac V. Cunningham; Collector, Thomas H. Harris; High- way Commissioner, Cyrus Dillon; Constables, Peter Fraley and Wesley Trollop.

1869-Supervisor, Thomas Edes; Clerk, William H. Fitzhugh; Assessor, Isaac V. Cunningham; Collector, William H. Fitzhugh; Highway Commissioner, Willis Crabb; Constables, L. J. Dillon and Wesley Trollop.

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History of Logan County, Illinois, Part 80

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